held sway over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held sway over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has control, influence, or power over someone or something. Example: "The charismatic leader held sway over the crowd, captivating them with his speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For more than 15 years, Garry Kasparov held sway over his opponents.

The New York Times

It was movies, mostly, that held sway over the invention of atmosphere in Tales of the City.

The Guardian - Books

"Fitting in with one's neighbours" became the mantra, and with this a palette of beige held sway over suburbia.

The Guardian - Books

For much of Saturday afternoon the white shirt held sway over black, the world's best team in retreat under the weight of English fire.

Independent

The Kleberg family, descended from Richard King, held sway over the family's holdings from an austere whitewashed mansion on the ranch.

The New York Times

The orthodox conservatives of all religions, who though were not the majority, held sway over electoral politics.

Huffington Post

At its height under Trajan, it covered 5 million square kilometers and held sway over some 70 million people, at that time, 21% of the world's entire population.

Wikipedia

She held sway over him all his life.

The Guardian - Arts

He referred to a system where supreme Islamic religious leaders also held sway over secular life.

The New York Times

Rulers there held sway over an expanding portion of the archipelago.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kanepe disbelievingly rolls off a list of the powers to have held sway over the country.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held sway over" when describing a prolonged period of influence or control, especially in historical or political contexts. For example, "For many years, the Roman Empire "held sway over" a vast territory."

Common error

Avoid using "held sway over" to describe fleeting or temporary influence. This phrase implies a sustained period of control or dominance; a brief impact is better described using terms like "influenced" or "affected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held sway over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the exercise of power, authority, or influence. It describes a relationship where one entity maintains control or dominance over another. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held sway over" is a versatile and commonly used idiom to describe the exercise of influence or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. It is effective for conveying sustained influence, but less suitable for temporary effects. Consider alternatives like "exercised influence over" when a more active exertion of power is intended. The usage patterns indicate that the phrase is most prevalent in journalistic and historical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercised influence over

Focuses on the act of exerting influence, highlighting a more active role in affecting others.

held dominion over

Emphasizes a position of power and control, often implying ownership or governance.

wielded power over

Focuses on the use or exercise of power, often implying authority or command.

maintained control over

Highlights the act of keeping or retaining control, suggesting a continuous effort to manage something.

had authority over

Stresses the legitimate right to exercise power or control.

exerted control over

Similar to 'exercised influence', but specifically emphasizes the aspect of control.

dominated

A shorter, more direct way to express having a controlling influence or position.

held command over

Implies direct control and leadership, often used in military or hierarchical contexts.

reigned supreme over

Suggests ultimate authority and dominance, often used in a metaphorical sense.

was preeminent in

Highlights a state of surpassing others, indicating superiority in a particular domain.

FAQs

What does "held sway over" mean?

"Held sway over" means to have had influence or control over someone or something for a period of time. It implies a position of power or authority.

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

You can use "held sway over" to describe the influence of a person, idea, or institution. For example: "The king "held sway over" the kingdom for many years."

What are some alternatives to "held sway over"?

Alternatives to "held sway over" include "exercised influence over", "held dominion over", or "maintained control over". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "held sway over" in formal writing?

Yes, "held sway over" is appropriate for formal writing. It's commonly found in news articles, historical texts, and academic papers, as seen in Ludwig.