invoke power

USAGE SUMMARY

"invoke power" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used in various contexts and usually means to draw on and use the power of something, such as a higher authority or a natural force. For example, you could say: "The leader wanted to invoke the power of the gods and ask for their blessings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This wasn't for effect or to invoke power play; he had other things on his mind.

The Guardian - Books

Artistry and imagination are by no means secondary, especially at Chanel and Dior, but in a setting like Versailles, before an audience that includes media and entertainment figures (Harvey Weinstein, Pedro Almodóvar), these qualities also serve to invoke power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maduro hopes the state of emergency will allow him to invoke powers to help stabilise the country and "confront all the international and national threats against our fatherland in this moment".

The Guardian

Neighborhood opposition to the project has ranged from anger at the suggestion that the state may invoke powers of eminent domain to the argument that a privately owned real-estate development is not the best use of the land, a large chunk of which is owned by the M.T.A., and will alter the character of the neighborhood.

The New Yorker

Gira's words invoked power and humiliation, and if he could get his band to turn those abstract ideas into concrete sensations so much the better.

The New Yorker

The reduction of the energy consumption in the proposed algorithm is achieved by considering rings with unequal widths and invoking power control algorithms within each ring.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Soon after his inauguration, Uribe declared a state of emergency and invoked powers to expand Colombia's military and police forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using only rarely invoked powers, the committee's chairman, John Whittingdale, responded by ordering that the Murdochs be presented with formal summonses to appear.

The New York Times

The previous week the White House invoked powers that President Obama himself had previously claimed to lack, unilaterally revising the nation's immigration laws by promising to stop enforcing them against a particularly sympathetic population.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, Bud Selig, the commissioner in charge of Major League Baseball, the sport's governing body, announced that he had decided to make use of rarely invoked powers to seize control of "all business and day-to-day operations" at the Dodgers from unpopular and financially troubled owner Frank McCourt.

Independent

This would have been a radical, unprecedented development; Selig had promised the union that he would not invoke this power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In spiritual or mystical contexts, "invoke power" can refer to calling upon deities or supernatural forces for assistance or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "invoke power" in informal contexts where simpler verbs like "use" or "apply" are more suitable. The phrase carries a sense of formality and should be reserved for situations where authority or a specific right is being utilized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invoke power" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "invoke" is the verb and "power" is the noun acting as the direct object. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "invoke power" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of calling upon or utilizing a source of authority or strength. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct, although relatively rare in everyday language. It is mostly found in formal contexts, particularly within news and academic writing. When using the phrase, consider whether you are referencing formal authority or a more abstract form of strength. While various alternatives exist, such as "exercise authority" or "wield influence", "invoke power" maintains a specific nuance related to the deliberate act of bringing a power into action. Ludwig also provides several examples of the phrase used in authentic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call upon authority

Specifies appealing to a recognized source of power.

implement power

Focuses on putting power into action.

exercise authority

Focuses on the practical application of power that is already held.

trigger authority

Suggests initiating power or control.

exert control

Implies a more direct and forceful application of power.

activate influence

Highlights making influence operational.

wield influence

Highlights the act of exerting persuasive power.

employ force

Indicates using physical or direct power.

tap into strength

Emphasizes accessing an existing reserve of power.

harness potential

Suggests utilizing latent power or capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "invoke power" in a sentence?

You can use "invoke power" to describe the act of calling upon or using a specific authority or ability, as in "The president may "invoke emergency powers" in times of crisis".

What are some alternatives to "invoke power"?

Some alternatives include "exercise authority", "wield influence", or "exert control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "invoke power" or "invoke powers"?

While both are grammatically correct, "invoke powers" is typically used when referring to multiple sources or types of authority, whereas "invoke power" is used when referring to a general concept or a singular source of authority.

What's the difference between "invoke power" and "assert power"?

"Invoke power" suggests using an existing, legitimate authority, whereas "assert power" implies a more forceful or potentially unauthorized demonstration of control.