power struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a situation in which two or more parties attempt to gain influence, control, or power over one another. For example, "The mayor and city council have been in a power struggle over the past year, trying to decide who will have the most influence in making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The power struggle affects policies.

The Economist

It exposes the power struggle in relationships".

The New York Times

A glacial power struggle has followed.

The New Yorker

This set up a power struggle.

The New Yorker

leaders ousted in a bitter power struggle.

The New York Times

They delight in the imagined power struggle.

The New York Times

The two are in a power struggle.

The Guardian

A Hamas-Fatah power struggle broke out.

The Economist

"It's more than a power struggle.

The New York Times

A power struggle may yet ensue.

The Economist

The result is often a power struggle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "power struggle", provide specific details about the parties involved, the resources they are vying for, and the strategies they employ to gain an advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "power struggle" to describe simple disagreements or misunderstandings. Ensure the situation involves a genuine competition for authority or influence, not just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power struggle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term denotes a competitive situation. For example, "A "power struggle" is going on".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power struggle" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe situations where individuals or groups compete for authority or control. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely accepted and frequently appears in news media and other sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from formal reports to casual discussions. When using "power struggle", ensure the context involves genuine competition for authority rather than simple disagreements. Consider alternatives like "battle for control" or "struggle for influence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With an expert rating of 4.5, "power struggle" is a reliable and effective phrase for describing competitive dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggle for influence

Specifies that the competition is about gaining influence.

contestation for power

Replaces "struggle" with "contestation", emphasizing the act of disputing.

battle for control

Focuses on the aspect of vying for control.

quest for power

Highlights the active pursuit of power.

fight for dominance

Emphasizes the competitive aspect and the aim of achieving dominance.

competition for authority

Highlights the rivalry in seeking authority.

conflict of interests

Highlights the clash arising from competing interests.

rivalry for supremacy

Focuses on achieving a superior position.

turf war

Suggests a territorial aspect to the conflict.

political infighting

Specifically refers to internal conflict within a political context.

FAQs

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

You can use "power struggle" to describe situations where different individuals or groups are competing for control or influence, for example: "The company is facing a "power struggle" between the CEO and the board of directors.".

What are some alternatives to "power struggle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "battle for control", "struggle for influence", or "fight for dominance".

What is the difference between "power struggle" and "conflict of interest"?

"Power struggle" describes a competition for authority, while "conflict of interest" refers to a situation where someone's personal interests could potentially compromise their impartiality.

Is "power struggle" formal or informal?

"Power struggle" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, academic analyses, and everyday conversations.