occupy the throne

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occupy the throne" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to monarchy, leadership, or authority, often referring to someone taking on a position of power or rule. Example: "After the king's passing, the young prince was ready to occupy the throne and lead the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His main challenge was to rule amid an ageing group of powerful princes, each desperate to occupy the throne.

The Guardian

This son would assassinate his father with his mother's help and occupy the throne as Phraates V from 2 bc to ad 4 after having married his mother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The descendants of Benin's ruling dynasty still occupy the throne in Benin City (although the present-day oba has only an advisory role in government).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Don't you think it is strange that only men can occupy the throne?" said Kiyomi Tsujimoto, an opposition member of Parliament from Osaka.

The New York Times

By the end of the decade, investment bankers appeared to occupy the throne, as they brought hot initial public offerings of shares to stockmarkets and their analysts, such as Morgan Stanley's "internet queen" Mary Meeker, touted them to eager buyers.And today?

The Economist

The new king of chess could occupy the throne for years to come.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He occupied the throne as a man of flesh, neither celestial nor sovereign.

The New York Times

He has occupied the throne since the death of his father, Muhammad V, in 1961.

The New Yorker

His descendants occupied the throne until the military coup d'état of 1967 and eventual restoration of the republic in 1973.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Richard III occupied the throne for two years between 1483 and 1485 before his death in the battle of Bosworth Field.

The Guardian

Since the Lancastrians had occupied the throne from 1399, the Yorkists might never have pressed a claim but for the near anarchy prevailing in the mid-15th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "occupy the throne" when referring to someone physically or metaphorically taking a position of power, particularly in a monarchical or hierarchical context. It implies both the act of assuming the role and the authority that comes with it.

Common error

Avoid using "occupy the throne" in situations where the individual isn't actually assuming a formal leadership role. For instance, saying someone "occupies the throne" of friendship is a misapplication of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occupy the throne" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of assuming a position of power, typically in a monarchical or hierarchical setting. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "occupy the throne" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of assuming power, primarily in monarchical or hierarchical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Although not extremely frequent, it appears across various authoritative sources, including news outlets and encyclopedias, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with situations involving formal leadership transitions or assumptions of authority. Alternatives like "ascend to the throne" or "take the throne" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascend to the throne

Focuses on the act of inheriting or rightfully claiming the throne.

take the throne

A more direct and general way of saying someone becomes the ruler.

assume the throne

Emphasizes the act of taking responsibility and power.

sit on the throne

Focuses on the physical act of being in the position of power.

reign over the kingdom

Highlights the act of ruling and governing.

hold the reins of power

Emphasizes control and leadership.

step into power

Focuses on the transition into a position of authority.

become the sovereign

Highlights the supreme authority of the ruler.

wear the crown

Symbolic of becoming the monarch.

take control of the realm

Emphasizes the control over the kingdom or territory.

FAQs

What does "occupy the throne" mean?

The phrase "occupy the throne" means to take a position of power, especially as a monarch or ruler. It implies assuming authority and control over a kingdom or organization.

What can I say instead of "occupy the throne"?

You can use alternatives like "ascend to the throne", "take the throne", or "assume the throne" depending on the context.

Is "occupy the throne" a formal expression?

"Occupy the throne" leans towards formal usage, often found in historical or political contexts when describing monarchs or leaders assuming power. It's less common in everyday conversation.

How do I use "occupy the throne" in a sentence?

You can use "occupy the throne" in a sentence like this: "After the king's death, his eldest son prepared to occupy the throne." It indicates the son would become the next ruler.