power trip

USAGE SUMMARY

"power trip" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an occasion when someone acts in an arrogant or selfish way in order to assert their power over others. For example, "He went on a power trip and refused to listen to anyone else's opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They're not on a power trip.

The New York Times

Johnny Steroid on his little power trip.

The New Yorker

So that would be "The Power Trip".

The New York Times - Books

"It was a power trip.

The New York Times

3. Don't go on a power trip.

Harvard University

Other times it's a power trip.

Harvard Business Review

It's like a power trip or something.

The Guardian - Music

Whose power trip is it, though?

The New York Times

Dungy has never been on a power trip.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They're having their little power-trip thing right now, so, it is what it is.

Vice

Year of the Power Trip".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "power trip" to describe situations where someone is clearly abusing their authority or position for personal satisfaction. It's often used in contexts of unfair or overbearing behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "power trip" simply to describe someone in a position of authority making legitimate decisions. The phrase implies an abuse or misuse of that power, not simply its exercise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power trip" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation or behavior characterized by the abuse of authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in describing arrogant or selfish behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power trip" is a common and readily understood expression used to describe the abuse of authority for personal gratification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely applicable in contemporary English. While it appears frequently in News & Media and informal contexts, its critical connotation suggests caution in formal writing. Related phrases include "ego trip" and "abuse of authority", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Remember, using "power trip" accurately requires an understanding of its implication of misuse, not just the exercise, of power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ego trip

Focuses more on the personal gratification derived from the sense of power.

abuse of authority

Highlights the misuse of one's position of power.

domination display

Emphasizes the act of showing control over others.

asserting dominance

Focuses on the act of establishing control in a situation.

control grab

Implies an aggressive attempt to gain control.

flexing authority

Highlights the conspicuous display of one's authority.

playing power games

Suggests engaging in manipulative tactics to gain control.

exerting influence

Focuses on using one's position to affect outcomes.

seeking control

Emphasizes the active pursuit of a position of power.

superiority complex

Describes a belief in one's own superiority, often leading to controlling behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "power trip" to describe a situation where someone is abusing their authority or position, such as, "The manager was on a "power trip", enforcing arbitrary rules to assert his dominance."

What's a less accusatory way to describe someone enjoying their authority?

Instead of saying someone is on a "power trip", you could say they are "asserting their authority" or "exercising their influence" if their actions are not abusive.

What is the difference between a "power trip" and simply being in charge?

A "power trip" implies an individual is using their authority for personal gratification or to exert unnecessary control. Being in charge simply means having responsibility and making decisions, without the connotation of abuse.

Are there situations where "power trip" could be considered positive?

While rare, "power trip" could be used ironically or humorously to describe a harmless enjoyment of a position of authority, but this is highly context-dependent and could easily be misinterpreted.