imposition of power

USAGE SUMMARY

"imposition of power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone taking control or authority of a situation, group, or area. For example, "The dictator maintained his authority through the imposition of power over his people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Some Americans questioned the United States' imposition of power beyond its borders.

The New Yorker

Although I disagree with them, I believe the true motivation for these regulations are the recent attacks in Norway and not a simple imposition of power.

The New York Times

Prescott learns that the brutal imposition of power is the response to unhappiness, while his father prepares to impose power on a whole continent.

The Guardian - Film

The natural, universal business of feeding and eating, hunting and being hunted, sexual contact and sexual conquest: is it a dark and unending imposition of power or just the way things are, something to be accepted?

The Guardian

All three men, university profes sors, card‐carrying intellectuals, are nonetheless students of chaos reluctant to bureaucrat ize the mess, preferring the pursuit of Order to the mere imposition of Power.

The New York Times

As with any man-made structure and particularly with the imposition of power plant construction on natural or urban landscapes, a potential environmental impact of the renewables is believed to be visual intrusion.

World Renewable Energy Congress VI Renewables: The Energy for the 21st Century World Renewable Energy Congress VI 1–7 July 2000 Brighton, UK

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Thus, syncretic tendencies were somewhat reduced before the imposition of British power in the mid-18th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The imposition of parliamentary power on Wales and the sequestration of royalists' property incurred resentment, and Puritan missionaries found themselves labouring in what they believed to be a dark corner of the land.

Britannica

Once again, the libertarian presumption against the imposition of state power should be respected.

Forbes

Apart from the canceled Kolkata event, "Midnight's Children" seems to have elicited a muted response from the public so far, which is surprising, considering Mr. Rushdie's involvement and the book's criticism of Indira Gandhi and her imposition of emergency powers in India between 1975 and 1977.

The New York Times

As LaPierre indicated, that will be hotly contested by the NRA and its allies who are likely to portray it as the imposition of overweening federal power in the destruction of individual freedoms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imposition of power" when you want to emphasize the act of enforcing authority, especially if it's perceived negatively or unjustly. For a neutral or positive connotation, consider alternatives like "exercise of authority".

Common error

Avoid using "imposition of power" in situations where a more neutral term like "application of authority" would be more appropriate. "Imposition" carries a connotation of force or unwanted control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposition of power" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes the action or process of exerting authority or control, often in a forceful or unwelcome manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imposition of power" is a grammatically correct and usable term that describes the act of enforcing authority, often with negative connotations. According to Ludwig, it implies that the authority being exercised is unjust, excessive, or unwelcome. While frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, this expression is less common than alternatives like "exercise of authority". To avoid potential misinterpretations, consider using more neutral terms when discussing authority in a non-critical context. The analysis suggests that understanding the subtle implications of word choice is crucial for conveying meaning accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielding of power

Conveys a sense of skillfully using power that one possesses. Unlike imposition, it does not necessarily involve force or unwarranted control.

exercise of authority

Focuses on the act of using authority, implying a more legitimate or accepted form of control than "imposition".

assertion of control

Focuses on the act of declaring or demonstrating control, possibly in response to a challenge or resistance.

exertion of control

Highlights the effort and influence applied to manage or direct something, omitting the potential negative connotation of "imposition".

exercise of dominion

Suggests absolute ownership or control over something, highlighting a sense of entitlement.

establishment of dominance

Emphasizes the creation or confirmation of a superior position, suggesting a longer-term outcome of control.

establishment of rule

Implies setting up a system of governance or regulation, often in a more formal or official context.

enforcement of rules

Specifies the application of regulations or laws, narrowing the scope to a structured system.

implementation of authority

Focuses on putting authority into action, suggesting a structured and deliberate approach.

application of influence

Highlights the use of persuasive or compelling tactics to achieve a desired result, softer than "imposition".

FAQs

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

You can use "imposition of power" to describe situations where someone is enforcing their authority, often against the will of others. For example, "Some Americans questioned the United States' "imposition of power" beyond its borders."

What are some alternatives to "imposition of power"?

Depending on the context, you could use "exercise of authority", "exertion of control", or "application of influence".

What does "imposition of power" imply?

The phrase suggests that authority is being enforced, sometimes unjustly or against the wishes of those affected. It carries a connotation of force or unwanted control.

Is "imposition of power" always negative?

While it often has negative connotations, the phrase can be used neutrally to describe the act of enforcing authority. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential negative implications and choose your words carefully.