in the ascendancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the ascendancy" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to be in a position of increasing power or influence. Example: "With their recent successes, the team is now in the ascendancy and poised to dominate their league."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With England in the ascendancy, India needed an innings of substance and Binny obliged.

BBC

Now they're back in the ascendancy.

Independent

Enver was thus in the ascendancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clijsters is in the ascendancy.

The Guardian - Sport

No one school was in the ascendancy.

Britannica

Sluman was now in the ascendancy.

The Guardian - Sport

Francis's latest comment suggests they are back in the ascendancy.

The Economist

Vatican-baiters in China are in the ascendancy once again.

The Economist

But Malaga ended the half in the ascendancy.

Independent

Arsenal were, though, soon back in the ascendancy.

Independent

For the moment, Williams' star is back in the ascendancy.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the ascendancy" to describe situations where something or someone is gaining power, influence, or popularity. Ensure the context clearly supports the idea of increasing dominance or prevalence.

Common error

Avoid using "in the ascendancy" to describe something that is already at its peak or has reached a stable, dominant position. The phrase implies ongoing growth and increasing influence, not a state of established supremacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the ascendancy" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a state of increasing power, influence, or prominence. It adds information about how a subject is progressing or evolving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the ascendancy" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies increasing power, influence, or prominence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "on the rise" or "gaining ground" exist, each carries subtle differences in meaning. When using "in the ascendancy", ensure the context supports the idea of ongoing growth and avoid applying it to static situations. Mastering this phrase enhances clarity and precision in describing dynamic shifts in power and influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the rise

Focuses on the upward trend, emphasizing increasing popularity or success rather than direct power.

gaining ground

Highlights the process of making progress and overcoming obstacles.

on the upswing

Implies a recovery or positive turn after a period of decline.

coming to the fore

Suggests prominence or visibility, often after being previously overlooked.

taking the lead

Emphasizes the act of assuming a leading position or role.

growing in influence

Specifically highlights the increase in persuasive power or authority.

on the top

Highlights position of power and influence.

prospering

Highlights a condition of wellness and richness.

in vogue

Highlights popularity and tendency.

going places

Highlights the ability and perspective to reach ambitious objectives.

FAQs

How can I use "in the ascendancy" in a sentence?

Use "in the ascendancy" to describe a person, group, idea, or trend that is gaining power or influence. For example, "After the election, the new party was "in the ascendancy"."

What are some alternatives to "in the ascendancy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "on the rise", "gaining ground", or "growing in influence".

Is it appropriate to use "in the ascendancy" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the ascendancy" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic papers.

What is the difference between "in the ascendancy" and "dominant"?

"In the ascendancy" implies a state of becoming dominant, while "dominant" describes a state of being in control. Something that is dominant has already reached a position of power, while something "in the ascendancy" is moving towards that position.