power to shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power to shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability or influence to create or alter something, such as ideas, opinions, or physical objects. Example: "The artist has the power to shape public perception through their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children have a powerful stake in political outcomes, but they have little power to shape them.

Unicef

.have the right and power to shape.

The Guardian - Sport

America has the power to shape the UK political weather.

The Guardian - Opinion

He sees its power to shape public behavior.

The New York Times

"We should have the power to shape our high street".

The Guardian - Money

They have the power to shape the future and they ought to be taken seriously.

The Guardian

That gives them power to shape the company's board and, indirectly, its management and strategy.

The New York Times

Many British MEPs argue they have more power to shape EU law than their Westminster colleagues.

The Guardian

Museums are cultural institutions that have the power to shape people's ideas about history and culture.

University of California, Berkeley

And it gave a handful of wavering senators extraordinary power to shape the bill.

The New York Times

And where does its seemingly limitless power to shape the mind and reshape society come from?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "power to shape" when you want to emphasize the transformative aspect of influence, rather than simply indicating an effect.

Common error

Avoid using "power to shape" in contexts where the subject doing the shaping is unclear. Always specify who or what possesses this power to ensure the sentence is meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power to shape" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating the capacity or authority to influence the form or development of something. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to describe the ability to affect outcomes or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power to shape" is a versatile expression used to describe the ability to influence or mold something, whether it be public opinion, policy, or even individual lives. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. While alternatives like "ability to influence" or "capacity to mold" exist, "power to shape" emphasizes a more direct and transformative influence. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what possesses this power and what is being shaped. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse scenarios, underscoring its broad applicability and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to influence

Focuses on the capacity to affect something, rather than the act of forming it.

capacity to mold

Emphasizes the act of forming something into a specific shape or form.

potential to influence

Highlights the possibility of having an effect, rather than a confirmed ability.

capability to determine

Suggests a stronger level of control, implying the power to decide the outcome.

right to control

Emphasizes the entitlement or permission to direct or manage something.

authority to direct

Indicates a formal or official power to guide or manage.

influence over

Highlights the effect one has on something, without necessarily implying direct control.

impact on

Focuses on the effect or result produced, rather than the ability to create it.

leverage to impact

Implies using a specific advantage to make a difference.

the means to effect

Emphasizes having the necessary resources or methods to bring about a result.

FAQs

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

The phrase "power to shape" is used to describe the ability or capacity to influence the form or development of something. For example, "The media has the "power to shape" public opinion".

What are some alternatives to "power to shape"?

You can use alternatives such as "ability to influence", "capacity to mold", or "potential to influence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "power to shape" or "ability to shape"?

Both "power to shape" and "ability to shape" are correct. "Power" suggests a greater degree of influence or control, while "ability" simply indicates the capacity to do something. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "power to shape" and "influence over"?

"Power to shape" suggests a direct ability to form or mold something, whereas "influence over" indicates a more indirect effect. For instance, having "power to shape" policy implies the ability to create it, while having "influence over" policy suggests the ability to affect its development or implementation.