image of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "image of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a representation or perception of authority, strength, or control in various contexts, such as politics, art, or social dynamics. Example: "The statue in the town square serves as an image of power, symbolizing the authority of the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It's a very visible image of power".

The New York Times - Tech

It's an arresting, almost necrophiliac image of power.

The Guardian

The image of power projected by the Cube is ambiguous.

The New York Times - Arts

Weber suggests that the queen miscalculated in dressing to project an image of power.

The New York Times

New York's economy depends in large part on the city's image of power and glamour.

The New York Times

Late in life she painted "Hoboken" (1986), an image of power lines and rooftops along a built-up street.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

According to Brett Williams, a researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Davis, Institute of Transportation Studies, these cars could provide power companies with "spinning reserves"—a term that comes from the image of power-generating turbines spinning disconnected from the grid, ready to be brought online when needed.

Environmental Health Perspectives

These painted maps are images of power, designed to amaze and to stupefy.

The Guardian

Her fighter planes have become images of power as well as impotence – and, therefore, of art itself.

The Guardian - Arts

Deller, who is now 47, studied art history at the Courtauld Institute, specialising in the baroque, and Venice made him think of frescoes, particularly images of power and destruction.

The Guardian - Arts

Ian Richardson/Richard Pasco, Stratford, 1973 A sensational re-evaluation of the play by John Barton in which two fine actors alternated nightly as Richard and Bolingbroke: they became mirror-images of power as a study in public performance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "image of power" to describe the impression created by a person, object, or symbol, especially in contexts where authority and control are central themes. For example, a leader's confident demeanor projects an "image of power".

Common error

Avoid using "image of power" when a more neutral term like "representation" or "symbol" would be more appropriate. The phrase often carries connotations of manipulation or superficiality, which may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "image of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a perceived representation of authority, strength, or control. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Arts

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "image of power" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a perceived representation of authority or control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's crucial to be mindful of its connotations, as it can sometimes imply superficiality or manipulation. Alternatives such as "representation of authority" or "symbol of strength" may be more suitable depending on the intended meaning. The phrase appears frequently in news media and academic contexts, making it a valuable tool for expressing nuanced perspectives on power dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representation of authority

Focuses on the embodiment of official or legal control.

symbol of strength

Highlights the aspect of might and resilience.

display of dominance

Emphasizes the act of asserting control or superiority.

appearance of authority

Focuses on the superficial impression of control.

presence of control

Highlights the immediate and tangible sense of authority.

aura of influence

Suggests a pervasive sense of impact and sway.

projection of control

Highlights the act of conveying a sense of command.

impression of command

Focuses on the feeling or perception of being in charge.

air of importance

Suggests a self-perceived or presented significance.

facade of strength

Implies a deceptive or artificial display of might.

FAQs

How can I use "image of power" in a sentence?

You can use "image of power" to describe how someone or something conveys authority or strength, such as "The politician cultivated an 'image of power' through confident speeches and decisive actions".

What's a good alternative to "image of power"?

Alternatives include "representation of authority", "symbol of strength", or "display of dominance" depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it better to say "image of power" or "symbol of power"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Image of power" refers more to the perceived impression, while "symbol of power" refers to something that represents power. For example: "The flag is a symbol of power", vs "The CEO projects an image of power".

Can "image of power" have negative connotations?

Yes, "image of power" can sometimes suggest manipulation or superficiality, implying that the power is more perceived than real. Consider using alternatives like "genuine authority" or "real influence" if you want to avoid this implication.