he presides over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he presides over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who holds a position of authority or control over a meeting, organization, or event. Example: "As the chairman of the board, he presides over all meetings and ensures that the agenda is followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He dresses that way on "The Debrief," a somewhat less formal program that he presides over on Sundays at noon.

The New York Times

Dr. Nurse feels this danger more passionately than most, for the society he presides over was the crucible of the scientific revolution that formed the modern world.

The New York Times - Science

He presides over domestic animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He presides over meetings and charities.

The New York Times

Today he presides over a bipartisan rally.

The New York Times

Now, he presides over his clients like a den mother.

The New York Times

He presides over a service in deep crisis.

The Guardian

He presides over a prison service in meltdown.

The Guardian - Opinion

He presides over a global empire of casinos, hotels and convention centers.

The New York Times

More fundamentally, they are fed up with the personalised system that he presides over.

The Economist

He presides over a hellish goblin kingdom that rekindles memories of Hieronymous Bosch paintings.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he presides over", ensure that the subject truly holds a position of authority or leadership within the context you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "he presides over" when a more passive verb would be appropriate. For example, don't say 'He presides over the consequences' when 'He faces the consequences' would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he presides over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a male subject has authority and control over something, like a meeting, event, or organization. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage is accurate and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he presides over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a male subject has formal authority or control, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. While acceptable, the register is usually neutral to formal. When writing, remember to use it when the subject truly holds a position of authority and avoid using it passively when a different verb would be more appropriate. Common alternatives include "he oversees", "he leads", and "he governs", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he oversees

This term is more general, implying supervision and management without the same level of formal authority.

he governs

This alternative is more concise, focusing on the act of governing rather than specifically presiding.

he heads

This term emphasizes the role of being the leader or chief of an organization.

he leads

This option emphasizes guidance and direction, often implying a more active role than simply presiding.

he directs

Focuses on giving instructions and guidance.

he manages

Focuses on the practical aspects of control and administration.

he administrates

Implies a formal management role, especially related to systems and rules.

he superintends

This option is more formal and implies a higher level of authority and oversight.

he controls

This focuses on the power dynamic, suggesting complete authority and management.

he chairs

This term is specific to meetings and committees, indicating the act of leading discussions.

FAQs

How to use "he presides over" in a sentence?

Use "he presides over" to indicate that someone is in charge of and conducts the proceedings of a meeting, organization, or event. For example, "The chairman "he presides over" the annual board meeting".

What can I say instead of "he presides over"?

You can use alternatives like "he oversees", "he leads", or "he governs" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he presides over" or "he presides at"?

"He presides over" is generally the correct and more common usage when referring to someone having authority or control. "He presides at" might be used in specific ceremonial contexts but is less frequent.

What's the difference between "he presides over" and "he oversees"?

"He presides over" suggests a formal role of authority and leadership, particularly in meetings or organizations. "He oversees" implies supervision and management but doesn't necessarily indicate the same level of formal authority.