power to direct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power to direct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where authority or control over actions or decisions is being discussed. Example: "The manager has the power to direct the team towards achieving the project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sir Mervyn said he had no power to direct Barclays.

The Economist

The CPS has no power to direct them and did not seek to do so".

Independent

In his letter, Justice Scalia said he did not have the power to "direct security personnel not to confiscate recordings".

The New York Times

The director-general of the NCA has the power to direct police chiefs, including the head of the Met.

The Guardian

"He lost the power to direct his creation, and he lost that power when he was still alive.

The Guardian

In fact, the President has unilateral power to direct the use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

The New Yorker

Of course not; she was not a government official, and had no power to direct, order or command.

The New York Times

Other courts consider a supervisor to be anyone with the power to direct an employee's daily activities.

The New York Times

"The Bank of England and the Treasury would have the power to direct a large part of Scottish economic and financial policy.

The Guardian

However, lawyers acting for the government later successfully argued in the supreme court that British ministers had no power "to direct the US" to release Rahmatullah from Bagram.

The Guardian

He is now consulted on major planning applications and has the power to direct boroughs to refuse planning permission on strategic grounds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "power to direct", ensure the subject possessing the power and the object being directed are clearly defined for clarity. For example: "The CEO has the power to direct the company's strategic initiatives."

Common error

Avoid using "power to direct" when the influence is merely advisory or suggestive. Reserve it for situations where genuine authority and control are exercised.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power to direct" functions as a noun phrase that signifies the authority or ability to control or guide specific actions, resources, or people. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

9%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power to direct" is a common and grammatically sound expression denoting the authority or ability to control or guide something. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to ensure clarity by specifying who possesses the power and what they are directing. While alternatives like "authority to control" or "capacity to guide" exist, "power to direct" effectively conveys a clear and direct form of control or guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority to control

Emphasizes the official right or permission to exercise control.

ability to manage

Focuses on the skill or capability to handle and guide something effectively.

capacity to guide

Highlights the potential or inherent capability to provide direction.

right to command

Stresses the legitimate entitlement to give orders and expect obedience.

influence over

Indicates the ability to affect or shape the actions or decisions of others.

leadership role in

Highlights a position of guidance and control within a specific domain.

prerogative to dictate

Emphasizes an exclusive right or privilege to determine or impose something.

license to govern

Focuses on the formal permission or authorization to rule or regulate.

authority to steer

Highlights the influence to guide in a specific direction.

control over operations

Focuses on the management of activities.

FAQs

How can I use "power to direct" in a sentence?

You can use "power to direct" to indicate someone's authority or ability to control or guide something, as in, "The manager has the "power to direct" the team's efforts".

What phrases are similar to "power to direct"?

Similar phrases include "authority to control", "ability to manage", or "capacity to guide", depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to use "power to direct"?

"Power to direct" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in formal or professional settings. The tone is neutral and depends on the surrounding text.

What's the difference between "power to direct" and "influence over"?

"Power to direct" implies a formal authority to control, while "influence over" suggests a more subtle or persuasive ability to affect outcomes without direct command.