hold power for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold power for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the duration or extent of authority or control that someone or something has over a situation or group. Example: "The committee will hold power for the next two years, making decisions that affect the entire organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mr. Kim, who could hold power for decades, has time.

The New York Times

These are still stages, and they still hold power for you as a performer.

The New York Times

General Mobutu came to power in an army coup d'etat in November , 1965 promising to hold power for five years.

The New York Times

A person doesn't hold power for that long in a competitive political system without having an instinct for it.

The New Yorker

Elijah Muhammad believed that the white race was created by Yakub, a black scientist, and that Allah had allowed this devilish race to hold power for 6,000 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet his aspirations to improve the lot of ordinary Pakistanis and to strengthen the country's institutions go far beyond the usual desire of political figures who seek to grab and hold power for the sheer sake of looting funds.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Just two years after Egyptians revolted against the military-backed regime that held power for sixty years, the Independent can reveal that powerful business figures are now pushing for an army man to make a bid for power.

Independent

USCF has held power for 47 years.

Stanford University

Berlusconi held power for nearly two decades.

The New Yorker

He held power for 17 years, during which he organized innumerable massacres.

The New Yorker

The dynasty has now held power for almost a half century.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold power for", ensure the duration or purpose for which power is held is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "hold power for" implies absolute control; it often refers to specific areas or contexts. Be specific about the extent of the authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold power for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the duration or extent of authority or control that someone or something possesses. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold power for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to indicate the duration or extent of authority. It is versatile enough to be used across various contexts, but it's most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting its applicability in describing periods of governance or control. Remember to clearly specify the scope of authority when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain authority for

Emphasizes the act of keeping authority, implying a possible challenge to that authority.

maintain control for

Focuses on the aspect of control rather than formal power.

exercise influence for

Highlights the use of influence, which may be less direct than holding power.

wield authority for

Implies a more active and potentially forceful use of power.

govern for

Specifically refers to the act of governing, suitable in political contexts.

rule for

Similar to govern, but can also imply a more autocratic style of leadership.

be in charge for

A more informal way of expressing the responsibility of leadership.

occupy position for

Focuses on the tenure in a specific role, often with formal duties.

have jurisdiction for

Refers to legal authority or the right to apply the law.

administer for

Suggests a focus on the process of administration, rather than the holding of power.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold power for" to describe the duration someone or something maintains authority. For example, "The president will "hold power for" four years."

What are some alternatives to "hold power for"?

Alternatives include "retain authority for", "maintain control for", or "exercise influence for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hold power for"?

Yes, "hold power for" is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by numerous examples in reliable sources.

What's the difference between "hold power for" and "wield authority for"?

"Hold power for" generally describes the duration of authority, while "wield authority for" emphasizes the active exercise of that authority. It suggests a more direct and potentially forceful application of power.