on the throne

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the throne" can be used in written English.
You can use it to express someone sitting on an actual throne or to suggest a feeling of power or authority. For example: "The king sat on the throne, surrounded by his loyal subjects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After Mircea I's death, princes succeeded one another on the throne with devastating frequency.

Wikipedia

In the end, there's only one person sitting on the throne... and it's Grover Bluejoy.

Los Angeles Times

And the one who was seated on the throne said... ..It is done!

Huffington Post

Eyes on the throne?

Independent

"I was on the throne, not God.

The New Yorker

Victoria was barely on the throne!

The New York Times - Arts

I put Andrew on the throne".

The New York Times - Arts

Motherhood confirmed her hold on the throne.

The New York Times

"I know who is on the throne.

The New York Times

God is alive and He is on the throne".

Independent

The issue of having designs on the throne dogs Pahlavi.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While widely understood, "on the throne" may not be appropriate in all situations. A more modern, neutral term like "in power" might be suitable for some contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "on the throne" too casually. Overusing it in contexts where the power dynamic is not truly analogous to a monarchy can sound overly dramatic or even comical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the throne" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It typically indicates the state of holding royal power or authority, as shown in Ludwig's examples, which range from historical monarchs to figurative uses of power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the throne" is a prepositional phrase signifying royal power or authority, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its frequency is very common, appearing most often in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While it carries a neutral register, its overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "in power" or "reigning" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remember that while "on the throne" specifically evokes images of monarchy and traditional power, "in power" is a more general phrase for holding a position of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On the seat of power

More explicitly conveys the concept of being in a position of authority.

In power

Focuses on the state of holding power, omitting the specific image of a throne.

Reigning

Describes the act of ruling, again abstracting away from the physical symbol of the throne.

In office

Implies holding an official position, often in government.

Holding the reins of power

Emphasizes control and governance.

At the helm

Figuratively suggests being in control, steering a ship or organization.

In command

Highlights the aspect of leadership and control.

At the top

Suggests the highest position in a hierarchy.

In the driver's seat

Indicates control and direction.

On the apex

On the highest point in a hierarchy.

FAQs

How is "on the throne" used in a sentence?

The phrase "on the throne" signifies holding royal power or authority. For example, "Queen Elizabeth II spent many years "on the throne"" refers to her reign as queen.

What are some alternatives to saying "on the throne"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "in power", "reigning", or "in office" depending on the specific context you are trying to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "on the throne" figuratively?

Yes, "on the throne" can be used figuratively to describe someone in a position of power or control, even if they are not a monarch. For instance, "After the merger, she was "on the throne" of the new company" implies she had ultimate authority.

What is the difference between "on the throne" and "in power"?

"On the throne" specifically evokes the image of a monarch or ruler with traditional authority. While "in power" is a more general term that can refer to anyone holding a position of control, regardless of its nature or origin.