hold sway

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold sway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means "to have power or influence over someone or something". For example: "The local boss held sway over the entire county."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Manchesters, United and City, hold sway.

The New York Times - Sports

The people who hold sway.

The Guardian - Opinion

Inwardness and narcissism now hold sway.

The New York Times

And traditional masculine rules still hold sway.

The New York Times - Arts

Outside it, the Taliban hold sway.

The New York Times

The big owners often hold sway.

The Guardian - Opinion

To what extent does the "invisible hand" still hold sway?

Harvard University

Polarization and intense difference hold sway today too.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They also hold sway in the provincial capital of Raqqa.

The New York Times

But, she said, "I did not hold sway".

The New York Times - Health

In much of the countryside, usurious moneylenders still hold sway.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold sway" when you want to express that someone or something has considerable influence or power over a specific area or group. For example, "Tradition still holds sway in many rural communities."

Common error

Avoid using "hold sway" when describing minor or temporary influence. This phrase is most appropriate when describing a significant and lasting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold sway" functions as a verb phrase indicating the exertion of power, control, or influence. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the dominance of ideas, individuals, or forces in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold sway" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the power or influence someone or something has over others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, highlighting its appropriateness for formal and neutral communication. When writing, use "hold sway" to convey that something has significant and lasting influence. Alternatives such as "exert influence" or "wield power" can provide subtle differences in meaning, depending on the intended context. Remember to avoid using "hold sway" when describing minor or temporary influence, reserving it for situations with significant and lasting impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

Focuses on the act of applying influence, rather than possessing it.

wield power

Emphasizes the active use of power in a given situation.

exercise control

Highlights the act of maintaining control over something or someone.

dominate

Suggests a more forceful and overt form of control or influence.

reign supreme

Implies ultimate authority and a lack of rivals.

be preeminent

Focuses on being the most important or distinguished.

have the upper hand

Indicates an advantage or superior position in a competitive situation.

carry weight

Emphasizes the importance or influence of someone's opinion or position.

be in charge

Simply states that someone is responsible for and has authority over something.

have authority

Focuses on the recognized right to give orders and enforce obedience.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold sway" to indicate that someone or something has a lot of power or influence. For instance, "In that company, the CEO's opinion holds sway over all major decisions".

What are some alternatives to using "hold sway"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exert influence", "wield power", or "exercise control" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "held sway" or should it always be "hold sway"?

"Held sway" is the past tense form of the expression and is perfectly correct when describing a past influence. "Hold sway" is used for present or general influence.

What's the difference between "hold sway" and "have influence"?

"Hold sway" suggests a more dominant and pervasive influence compared to simply "have influence". "Hold sway" implies a greater degree of control or authority.