handing over power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handing over power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the transfer of authority or control from one person or group to another, often in political or organizational settings. Example: "The outgoing president is officially handing over power to his successor during the inauguration ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some Iraqis say that Mr Bremer wants to give an impression that the Americans are ending their occupation without actually handing over power.

The Economist

And guidance abounds for how CEOs in their final months on the job should approach their main responsibility: helping develop and select a successor and then smoothly handing over power.

Harvard Business Review

In his first detailed account of his health crisis since handing over power as Cuba's leader 10 months ago, Mr. Castro said he had spent months being fed intravenously.

The New York Times

Binyavanga Wainaina on aid, power and the politics of development in Africa – video Broken promises: why handing over power to local NGOs is empty rhetoric Join the community of global development professionals and experts.

The Guardian

Handing over power, he says, would undermine stability, of which he is the guarantor.

The New York Times

Some don't believe in the principle of regularly handing over power.

The Guardian

It also says it is committed to eventually handing over power to an elected administration.

The Guardian

Before handing over power, General Pinochet also insisted on immunity being guaranteed in the constitution for Chile's new democracy.

The Economist

Republicans are not the only ones who fear the consequences of handing over power to their opponents.

The Washington Post

Especially because fashion, while it loves change, has historically been bad at it when it comes to handing over power.

The New York Times

The military regime, however, was not yet willing to contemplate handing over power, even to one of its own.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "handing over power", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving up power and to whom it is being transferred. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "handing over power" when referring to simply delegating tasks or responsibilities. This phrase implies a more significant and complete transfer of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handing over power" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the main verb or part of the verb phrase in a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes an action of transferring authority or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "handing over power" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the transfer of authority or control, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia contexts. While alternatives like "transferring authority" or "ceding control" exist, "handing over power" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various situations. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly indicate the parties involved in the transfer to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transferring authority

Emphasizes the formal act of passing authority from one entity to another.

ceding control

Highlights the act of relinquishing control or command.

relinquishing power

Focuses on giving up power or control.

transfer of power

A noun phrase describing the act of power changing hands.

passing the torch

An idiomatic expression for passing on responsibility or leadership.

succession of leadership

Focuses on the change in leadership roles.

devolution of authority

Implies a decentralization or delegation of authority.

transferring command

Specifically refers to the act of passing command, often in a military or hierarchical context.

shifting control

Suggests a change or movement in who or what holds control.

transition of power

Highlights the process of shifting from one power holder to another.

FAQs

What does "handing over power" mean?

The phrase "handing over power" refers to the act of transferring authority, control, or responsibility from one person or group to another. This often occurs in political transitions, organizational restructuring, or leadership changes.

What can I say instead of "handing over power"?

You can use alternatives like "transferring authority", "ceding control", or "relinquishing power" depending on the specific context.

Is "handing over power" formal or informal?

The phrase "handing over power" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news reporting, business, and political discussions.

How do I use "handing over power" in a sentence?

You can use "handing over power" in a sentence like, "The president is officially handing over power to the newly elected leader", or "The CEO announced the plan for handing over power to the next generation of executives".