have the power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have the power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a person or thing possesses a certain ability or strength. For example: "The citizens of this country have the power to make their voices heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Extremists have the power.

The New York Times

I didn't have the power.

The New York Times - Arts

"I have the power to speak up".

The New York Times

They have the power of poverty".

The New Yorker

They have the power".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Companies have the power.

The Guardian

I definitely have the power.

The Guardian - Sport

Kino didn't have the power to resist.

The New Yorker

SOME plays have the power to provoke.

The New York Times

We have the power to change things.

The Guardian - Sport

They have the power, not us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have the power" to convey the idea that someone or something possesses the ability, capacity, or authority to influence, change, or control a situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and nature of this power.

Common error

Avoid using "have the power" when the ability is limited or theoretical. Ensure that the claim of power aligns with the reality of the situation to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have the power" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the possession of ability, authority, or control by the subject. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to express the capacity to influence or effect change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have the power" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates the possession of ability, authority, or control. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, media, formal business settings, and even in informal contexts like wikis. Expert analysis suggests that while source authority is high, it's essential to use the phrase accurately, avoiding overstatements of influence. Related phrases such as "possess the authority" or "wield the influence" provide nuanced alternatives for conveying similar meanings. Remember to consider context when using "have the power" to ensure its meaning aligns with the situation. Ludwig's examples highlight its wide-ranging applications and its effectiveness in expressing various forms of power and capability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be empowered to

Suggests that authority has been formally granted to someone, highlighting delegation of power.

possess the authority

Emphasizes the official right or permission to do something, shifting focus from general ability to legitimacy.

exercise control

Highlights the act of actively managing or directing something, emphasizing the practical application of power.

wield the influence

Focuses on the capacity to affect decisions or actions, suggesting a more indirect form of control.

have the capability

Focuses on the inherent potential or ability to perform a specific action, less about direct control.

hold the sway

Implies a dominant influence or persuasive power over others, highlighting the impact on opinions or behavior.

be in a position to

Emphasizes the favorable circumstances that enable action, indicating opportunity rather than inherent power.

command the resources

Indicates control over assets or means, suggesting power derived from strategic command of available tools.

have what it takes

Focuses on the qualities and skills needed to succeed, rather than formal power or authority.

be able to

Indicates a general ability or capacity to do something, without specifying the source or nature of the power.

FAQs

How can I use "have the power" in a sentence?

Use "have the power" to indicate that someone or something possesses the ability or authority to influence a situation. For example, "Citizens "have the power" to elect their leaders".

What are some alternatives to "have the power"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "possess the authority", "wield the influence", or "exercise control".

Is it correct to say "had the power" instead of "have the power"?

Yes, "had the power" is the past tense form of "have the power" and is correct when referring to a past ability or authority. For example, "The king "had the power" to make laws".

What is the difference between "have the power to" and "have the ability to"?

"Have the power to" typically implies authority or control, while "have the ability to" suggests a skill or capacity. While sometimes interchangeable, "have the power to" often carries a stronger connotation of influence.