grip on power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grip on power" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a person or group's ability to maintain control or authority. You can use it in a variety of contexts. For example, you might say: "The president's tight grip on power has allowed him to implement a range of reforms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Najib tightened his grip on power.

The Guardian

The junta's grip on power seems firm.

The New York Times

The move reconfirmed his already absolute grip on power.

The New York Times

But his grip on power has not been entirely secure.

The Economist

At present its grip on power is still strong.

The Economist

His grip on power embraces all the institutions of state.

The Guardian

The strategy helped ensure his grip on power.

The New York Times

Despite that, however, its grip on power still seems strong.

The Washington Post

The party has long held a firm grip on power.

The New York Times

It's a boost for Kim Jong-il's grip on power.

The New York Times

But the military has not relinquished its grip on power.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grip on power" to describe someone's ability to maintain control in political, organizational, or personal contexts. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the firmness or tenacity of that control.

Common error

Avoid using "grip on power" when a neutral or positive connotation is desired; alternatives like "leadership" or "influence" might be more appropriate in those situations. The phrase often carries a subtle implication of control being maintained through force or manipulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grip on power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the ability or state of maintaining control or authority. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grip on power" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes the ability to maintain control or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable in various contexts, especially within news and media where it's frequently used to analyze political or organizational dynamics. While "grip on power" often carries a neutral tone, it can also subtly imply manipulation or forceful control, so writers should be mindful of the connotation. Alternatives like "hold on power" or "influence on power" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on power

Emphasizes the act of maintaining power.

control over power

Directly indicates the ability to manage and regulate power.

grasp on power

Implies a strong understanding and control over power.

command of power

Indicates an ability to direct and utilize power effectively.

clutches of power

Suggests a possessive and often negative control.

authority over power

Emphasizes the legitimate right to exercise power.

reign over power

Focuses on the period or duration of control.

dominion over power

Implies a supreme authority or control.

sway over power

Suggests a persuasive or manipulative influence on power.

influence on power

Highlights the effect one has on the existing power structure.

FAQs

How can I use "grip on power" in a sentence?

You can use "grip on power" to describe someone's ability to maintain control in a political, organizational, or personal context. For example: "The president's tight grip on power allowed him to implement a range of reforms."

What are some alternatives to "grip on power"?

You can use alternatives such as "hold on power", "grasp on power", or "influence on power" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have a "grip on power"?

To have a "grip on power" means to have a firm and often tenacious control over a situation, organization, or government. It implies an ability to maintain authority and prevent others from challenging or undermining that authority.

Is "grip on power" always negative?

While not always negative, "grip on power" often carries a subtle implication of control being maintained through force, manipulation, or suppression of opposition. The connotation can vary depending on the context.