might is right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'might is right' is not correct in written English.
The correct phrase is "Might makes right". This phrase is used to suggest that those with power or authority are the ones who set the standards for truth and justice. For example: "Those in power often believe that might makes right, but true justice should be the same for everyone regardless of their status."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Effectively, might is right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Might for Right; not Might is Right.

The Guardian - Books

"Might is right," said Maher Aamir, the scientist's nephew.

The New York Times

It's just as Hitler believed: might is right.

The New Yorker

Mr Putin would prefer a zero-sum "great game" approach where might is right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Businesses and politicians have also begun to understand that, in Europe, might is right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

You might be right.

The New York Times

"She might be right.

The New York Times - Magazine

He might be right.

Forbes

Technically, that might be right.

The Economist

And it might be right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While the phrase "might is right" is understandable, use the grammatically correct version "might makes right" in formal writing to avoid misinterpretations and maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "might is right" as it's grammatically incorrect. The proper idiom is "might makes right." Using the former can detract from your message's impact and appear unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might is right" serves as a statement or assertion. However, it is a grammatically incorrect variant of the idiom "might makes right". Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically incorrect, it presents numerous examples where the expression is used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might is right" is used to convey that those who hold power determine what is considered just. However, Ludwig AI points out that "might is right" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "might makes right". Although technically incorrect, the phrase still appears frequently, particularly in news and media sources, but using the proper "might makes right" is recommended for clearer communication and to avoid misunderstandings. It suggests a view where power dictates morality, a concept explored across encyclopedias and news outlets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might makes right

Corrects the grammatical structure while maintaining the original meaning: power determines what is considered just.

power prevails

Focuses on the idea that strength or influence leads to success or dominance.

the strong dominate

Highlights the concept of the powerful controlling or ruling over the weak.

force is law

Implies that physical strength or coercion determines the rules or standards.

might is supreme

Emphasizes the superiority of power or strength.

authority triumphs

Focuses on how those in charge succeed.

strength dictates

Power determines outcomes.

dominance reigns

Indicates the idea that control is in effect.

the powerful rule

Those who have power govern.

superiority wins

Highlights winning by being stronger.

FAQs

Is "might is right" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "might makes right". While "might is right" might be understood, it is not considered standard English.

What does "might makes right" mean?

The phrase "might makes right" means that whoever has the most power can impose their will, regardless of whether it is just or fair.

What can I say instead of "might makes right"?

Alternatives include "power prevails", "the strong dominate", or "force is law", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "might makes right" used in a sentence?

Example: "In that dictatorship, the principle of might makes right was evident as the government suppressed all dissent through force."