material power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the physical and financial resources that can be used to achieve an outcome or gain an advantage. For example, "The company used its material power to leverage market share in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But Flake also has the material power to change things.

The New York Times - Books

With the city's great skyscrapers, its advertisements of material power, he took the opposite tack.

The New York Times - Arts

The perceived decline of American primacy is not easily observed in terms of material power.

The Washington Post

In the much-quoted last verse, Lovelace denies the prison as building its material power to confine him.

The Guardian - Books

He prophetically warned that there would be consequences for our country's "moral and spiritual lag" behind its material power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sennett and Cobb had set out to understand why an "increase in material power and freedom of choice should be accompanied by a crisis in self respect".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The effects of material power-law distribution are also discussed.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Effects of spring stiffness values and the material power-law distributions on the natural frequencies of shells are also discussed.

Composites Part B: Engineering

The effects of the material power-law distribution, boundary condition and duration of blast loading on the transient responses of the conical shells are also examined.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Enlarged material powers spell enlarged peril if there is not proportionate growth of the soul.

The New Yorker

This accreted material powers symbiotic activity, including occasional eruptions and jets.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations, use "material power" to objectively describe a nation's resources and capabilities, separate from its soft power or diplomatic influence.

Common error

Do not use "material power" interchangeably with general influence. "Material power" refers specifically to tangible resources, while influence can also stem from cultural or diplomatic factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material power" functions as a noun phrase often used to describe the tangible assets and resources that contribute to a nation's or entity's strength and influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "material power" is a noun phrase widely employed to denote the tangible resources and assets that provide strength and influence, such as economic prowess, military might, and technological advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, "material power" serves to objectively assess and describe capabilities. While alternatives like "tangible resources" and "economic strength" exist, it's essential to differentiate "material power" from broader concepts of influence, focusing specifically on tangible assets. Using this term accurately enhances the precision and clarity of discussions, particularly in international relations and economic analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangible resources

Focuses on the physical and financial assets.

economic strength

Emphasizes the financial aspect of power.

physical dominance

Highlights the physical control and influence.

resourceful capacity

Underlines the ability to leverage resources effectively.

financial muscle

Uses a metaphor to describe strong economic power.

asset base

Refers to the total value of possessions that can yield power.

capital reserves

Highlights the availability of financial capital.

controlling stake

Emphasizes the aspect of control through ownership.

real assets

Stresses the genuine and verifiable aspect of resources.

substantial wealth

Highlights the quantity and impact of wealth.

FAQs

How is "material power" typically measured in international relations?

The measurement of "material power" usually involves assessing factors such as a country's GDP, military strength, population size, and technological advancement.

What's the difference between "material power" and soft power?

"Material power" refers to tangible resources like economic and military strength, while soft power is about cultural and ideological influence. "Soft power" relies on attraction rather than coercion.

Can you give me some alternatives to "material power"?

Alternatives include "tangible resources", "economic strength", or "physical dominance" depending on the specific context.

How does "material power" affect a country's diplomatic influence?

While not the only factor, a nation's "material power" often significantly enhances its diplomatic influence, enabling it to exert greater pressure and secure favorable outcomes in international negotiations.