possess power

USAGE SUMMARY

"possess power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or group that has some sort of influence or authority over other people. For example, "The king possessed great power over his people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Strive to possess power in negotiation – or simply feel powerful – and follow up with perspective taking.

Harvard University

Therefore, it is not the possession of actual power, but the made-up thought that one possess power that fuels these forms of abuse.

Princeton University

The American lite are those people who possess power.

The New Yorker

Or to possess power that you don't want?

The New York Times - Books

"Institutions like this don't possess power," said Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations.

The New York Times

The current research explores how roles that possess power but lack status influence behavior toward others.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

This complex behavior has recently been shown to possess power-law intermittency statistics implying global and/or local self-organized critical dynamics of the magnetotail plasma sheet.

Advances in Space Research

These creatures possess powers and abilities that defy scientific explanation, and perhaps human understanding.

SEP

If it has not the same powers, does it possess powers of any kind?

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

They possess powers of wind, thunder and fertility respectively.

WikiHow

I had known a few men who possessed power, but never this kind of power, so I made arrangements to meet the creator of the wild things.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possess power" to describe entities that have demonstrable control or authority, not just potential influence. For instance, "The CEO possesses the power to make critical financial decisions" is more appropriate than "The intern possesses power in suggesting coffee flavors."

Common error

Avoid using "possess power" when describing mere influence or persuasion. Power implies a direct capacity to effect change or command resources, not just sway opinions. For example, instead of saying "The blogger possesses power over consumer choices", consider "The blogger has influence over consumer choices".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess power" functions as a verb phrase indicating ownership or control of authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Examples show it describing entities, institutions, or individuals with the capacity to influence outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possess power" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized phrase to denote having authority or control. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is appropriate across various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like ""wield authority"" or ""exert influence"" exist, "possess power" directly asserts the capacity to influence or command. Remember to use it when describing demonstrable control rather than mere influence, and be mindful of the formality level required by the context. The examples and analysis provided offer a comprehensive understanding of its proper usage, ensuring clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have control

Indicates the ability to manage or direct something, implying a degree of authority.

exercise control

Focuses on the act of using one's power or authority to manage a situation.

wield authority

Emphasizes the active use of power or control, suggesting a deliberate exercise of authority.

exert influence

Highlights the ability to affect decisions or actions, focusing on the impact rather than direct control.

enjoy authority

Highlights the benefit or privilege of having legitimate power.

hold sway

Suggests a dominating influence or control over someone or something.

maintain dominance

Focuses on the continued possession and assertion of power or control.

command influence

Implies a high degree of respect or authority that naturally attracts influence.

reign supreme

Suggests absolute dominance or authority over a particular domain.

dominate proceedings

Indicates a controlling influence over a formal process or event.

FAQs

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

Use "possess power" to indicate that someone or something has control, authority, or the ability to influence events. For example, "The president "possesses power" to veto legislation."

What are some alternatives to "possess power"?

Alternatives include "wield authority", "exert influence", "have control", or "command influence", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has power" instead of "possess power"?

Yes, "has power" is grammatically correct and often used interchangeably with "possess power". However, "possess power" may sound more formal or emphatic in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "possess power" and "have influence"?

"Possess power" implies direct control or authority, while "have influence" suggests the ability to affect decisions or outcomes indirectly.