power play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power play" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strategic move or action taken to gain an advantage, often in a competitive or political context. Example: "The CEO's decision to restructure the company was seen as a power play to consolidate her influence over the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"He likes that power play".

The New York Times

The power play was on.

The New York Times - Sports

Power play LA.

The Guardian - Sport

Power play New York!

The Guardian - Sport

A power play goal!

The Guardian - Sport

Power play for Canada.

The Guardian - Sport

"But he stinks on the power play.

The New York Times - Sports

The Rangers' power play was unproductive again.

The New York Times - Sports

Byfuglien scored on the subsequent power play.

The New York Times - Sports

Was it a three-minute power play?

The New York Times - Sports

The power play awoke from its slumber.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports contexts, use "power play" specifically to describe the situation where a team has a numerical advantage due to penalties. Ensure clarity in usage to avoid confusion with other strategic plays.

Common error

Avoid using "power play" loosely to describe any instance of influence or advantage. It's most accurate when depicting deliberate strategies to gain dominance or leverage, particularly in sports or political contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power play" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific situation or tactic. Ludwig AI examples show its use in both sports contexts (referring to an advantage in ice hockey) and more general contexts (describing strategic maneuvers in politics or business).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "power play" is a common noun phrase used to describe a strategic maneuver aimed at gaining an advantage, particularly in sports, politics, and business. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While the phrase itself is neutral, be mindful of its potential connotations of manipulation or aggression. When writing, consider whether a more specific term might better convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strategic maneuver

Focuses on the planned and calculated aspect of gaining an advantage.

Tactical advantage

Highlights the gain in position or leverage through specific actions.

Influence game

Emphasizes the aspect of wielding influence to achieve a goal.

Leverage strategy

Highlights using leverage to gain a beneficial outcome.

Political maneuvering

Specifically refers to strategic actions within a political context.

Advantageous position

Focuses on the state of being in a favorable situation.

Dominance display

Emphasizes showing superiority or control.

Control play

Highlights the act of maintaining control or direction in a situation.

Upper hand

Signifies having a superior or controlling position.

Coercive tactic

Focuses on tactics involving persuasion or force to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How is "power play" used in ice hockey?

In ice hockey, a "power play" refers to a situation where one team has a numerical advantage on the ice due to the opposing team incurring a penalty. This creates an opportunity to score with fewer defenders to overcome.

What does "power play" mean outside of sports?

Beyond sports, "power play" can describe any strategy or maneuver intended to magnify power or influence, especially in business, politics, or personal relationships. It often implies a calculated effort to gain an advantage.

What's the difference between a "power play" and a "strategic maneuver"?

While both involve planned actions to achieve a goal, a "power play" often implies a more forceful or assertive approach to gain an advantage, sometimes even exploiting a temporary advantage. A "strategic maneuver" is a broader term for any planned action aimed at achieving a specific objective.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the term "power play"?

Yes, depending on the context, "power play" can suggest manipulative or aggressive tactics. It can imply that someone is prioritizing their own gain over fairness or collaboration. Therefore, be mindful of the context when using the term.