hand over power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hand over power' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when discussing the transfer of authority or control from one person or group to another. For example: "The court ruled that the government must hand over power to the new leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It contained familiar ideas to hand over power.

The Guardian

"There are currently no incentives for the military junta to hand over power".

The New York Times

Mr. Saleh has repeatedly backed away at the last minute from an internationally brokered plan for him to hand over power.

The New York Times

"It's triggered by ongoing concerns about control," the official added, as the ruling military council confronted the mounting pressure to hand over power.

The New York Times

The next Guinean leader does have one important (and, in this region, rare) thing going for him — the military junta says it is ready to hand over power.

The New Yorker

And even as the political leaders unified around the demands, new divisions emerged among them over how the military might begin to hand over power.

The New York Times

Arab and Western nations have intensified their efforts in the last week to isolate Mr. Assad's government, demanding that he hand over power.

The New York Times

"To whom shall I hand over power?

The Guardian

"The main point here is how to hand over power," Mr. Noman said.

The New York Times

The protest will demand Egypt's military rulers hand over power to an elected civilian authority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The aid sector in general is bad at trusting people in poverty and reluctant to hand-over power and control.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a formal transition of power, ensure that you clearly identify both the entity relinquishing power and the entity receiving it. For example, "The president will "hand over power" to the newly elected prime minister."

Common error

Avoid using "hand over power" interchangeably with phrases like "delegate authority" or "empower". "Hand over power" implies a complete transfer, while the others suggest granting specific powers or enabling others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand over power" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of transferring authority or control from one entity to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, as shown by the numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hand over power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of relinquishing control or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, with numerous examples found in news media, formal business contexts, and encyclopedias. While it can appear in more informal settings, it is generally considered to have a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that both the giver and receiver of power are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transfer authority

Emphasizes the formal act of transferring legal or official authority.

cede control

Implies relinquishing control, often unwillingly or under pressure.

relinquish power

Focuses on giving up power, suggesting a degree of sacrifice or loss.

yield authority

Implies giving way to another's authority, often due to force or circumstance.

transfer of leadership

Highlights the change in leadership, focusing on the process.

pass the baton

Figurative, suggesting a smooth transition from one leader to another.

turn over the reins

Figurative language; handing over leadership or control.

devolve power

Suggests delegating power to a lower level or subordinate.

grant authority

Focuses on the act of giving or bestowing power.

cede sovereignty

Relates to the transfer of supreme power or authority, especially of a state.

FAQs

How is "hand over power" commonly used in a sentence?

The phrase "hand over power" is typically used to describe the act of relinquishing control or authority, often in political or organizational contexts. For instance, "The dictator was pressured to "hand over power" to a civilian government."

What are some alternatives to "hand over power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "transfer authority", "cede control", or "relinquish power".

Is it correct to say "hand the power over" instead of "hand over power"?

While grammatically understandable, "hand the power over" is less common and idiomatic than "hand over power". The latter is the preferred and more natural phrasing.

What's the difference between "hand over power" and "share power"?

"Hand over power" implies a complete transfer of control, while "share power" suggests a distribution of authority among multiple parties. The former is an exclusive transfer; the latter is a cooperative arrangement.