hold power

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to describe someone in a position of authority or to talk about someone having control over a situation. For example, you could say, "The new mayor held power for four years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're supposed to hold power close.

The New Yorker

He called Tsipras's referendum idea "a trick to hold power".

Independent

Leaders should do anything they can to hold power.

The New York Times

None of the institutional players hold power securely.

The New York Times

Konaté, unlike his predecessor, was not eager to hold power.

The New Yorker

And Slobodan Milosevic would still hold power in Belgrade.

The New York Times

Because a list has yet to hold power to account.

The Guardian - Opinion

The media exist to hold power to account.

The Guardian

But I did not seriously want Communists to hold power".

The New York Times

It really doesn't, though, because the chief goal of both parties is to hold power.

The New York Times

The generals claimed an open-ended mandate to hold power long after Monday's parliamentary vote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold power", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of power being held (e.g., political, social, economic) for clarity.

Common error

Do not use "hold power" in contexts where the nature of the power is unclear. Specify the domain of power (e.g., "hold political power" rather than simply "hold power") to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hold power" is that of a verb phrase, where "hold" acts as the main verb and "power" as its direct object. It indicates the act of maintaining or possessing authority, control, or influence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to describe the state of having control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold power" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of maintaining or possessing authority. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While its register is generally neutral, specifying the domain of power (e.g., "hold political power") can enhance clarity. When seeking alternative phrases, consider options like "wield authority" or "exercise control" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield authority

Emphasizes the active use of formal power or control.

exercise control

Focuses on the act of exerting influence or command over something.

maintain control

Highlights the effort to keep power or authority in its current state.

retain authority

Stresses the aspect of keeping or preserving existing power.

have influence

Indicates the capacity to affect decisions or actions, less direct than 'power'.

exert influence

Highlights the application of influence to affect outcomes.

be in charge

Suggests a position of leadership and responsibility.

rule the roost

An idiomatic expression implying dominance and control, often in a domestic or informal setting.

dominate proceedings

Suggests controlling the direction and outcome of a meeting or event.

govern effectively

Suggests competence and positive outcomes from being in power.

FAQs

How can I use "hold power" in a sentence?

You can use "hold power" to describe someone who maintains control or authority, as in "The dictator managed to hold power for over two decades".

What are some alternatives to "hold power"?

Alternatives include "wield authority", "exercise control", or "maintain control", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "hold power" and "exert influence"?

"Hold power" suggests a formal position of authority, while "exert influence" implies a more subtle or indirect way of affecting decisions or actions.

Is it more appropriate to say "hold power" or "have power"?

"Hold power" typically implies maintaining or retaining existing authority, whereas "have power" is a more general statement about possessing authority.