have sway over

USAGE SUMMARY

"have sway over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one entity has power to influence another, or that one idea or concept dominates over another. For example: "The King's laws had sway over the entire kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Intellectual property that we can have sway over.

The Guardian

And it includes others like the Federal Communications Commission that have sway over large sectors of the economy.

The New York Times

Mayor Studer, who is a lawyer, said it was preposterous to contend that Mr. Engelhorn did not have sway over the trust's money.

The New York Times - Arts

Targeted vested interests have sway over the levers of power, and, demonstrably, an emotionally powerful message that taps into American resentments and fears.

The New York Times

Even now, banks have sway over their regulators, especially those stationed at a bank's headquarters, according to two former regulators who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The New York Times

But such challenges would be continuation of ones currently in place, yet on a lesser scale because no foreign nation will have sway over the entirety of the Syrian landscape.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr Ozawa had sway over his children for as long as he held the whip.

The Economist

It has sway over chunks of Lebanon through Hizbullah, the Shia party-cum-militia it finances.

The Economist

It also has sway over how the World Bank and International Monetary Fund treat the country.

The New York Times

His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has sway over decisions in the Middle East and beyond.

The Guardian

Cohn represented some of the mafia figures who had sway over Trump projects.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have sway over" to describe situations where influence is exerted through relationships, authority, or expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "have sway over" when describing absolute control or command, as it implies influence rather than direct authority. Use "control" or "command" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have sway over" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the ability to influence or control someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and widely used. It suggests an indirect form of power rather than direct command.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have sway over" is a versatile phrase used to describe the ability to influence or affect something. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely recognized. The analysis reveals that it is frequently found in News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "have influence on" and "have control over", but it's important to select the most appropriate phrase based on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, remember that this phrase implies influence rather than direct authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have influence on

Focuses more on the effect on something, rather than direct control.

exert influence over

Emphasizes the active application of influence.

have control over

Indicates a stronger, more direct form of power.

wield influence over

Suggests skillful or strategic use of influence.

have power over

Highlights the authority or command one has.

carry weight with

Implies that someone's opinion or position is valued and considered.

hold power over

Stresses the possession and maintenance of power.

dominate

Indicates a very strong form of control, potentially to the exclusion of others.

have a grip on

Suggests a firm hold or understanding of something.

impact

Denotes a strong effect or influence on something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "have sway over" in a sentence?

You can use "have sway over" to indicate that someone or something has influence or power over another. For example, "The media "have sway over" public opinion".

What are some alternatives to "have sway over"?

Some alternatives include "have influence on", "exert influence over", or "have control over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have sway over" or "have influence on"?

While both phrases are similar, "have sway over" implies a degree of control or authority, whereas "have influence on" simply indicates an effect or impact. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "have sway over" and "have power over"?

"Have power over" suggests direct authority and the ability to command, while "have sway over" indicates influence and the ability to persuade or guide decisions.