preside over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preside over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean to be in authority or have control over something. For example: The judge was expected to preside over the proceedings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No one wanted to preside over that.

Forbes

Why would the President preside over such illiberal decisions?

The New Yorker

The president of the University would preside over the Senate.

Columbia University

Bishops preside over full sized congregations called wards and Branch presidents preside over smaller congregations called branches.

WikiHow

All also preside over monumental corruption.

The Economist

Supreme Court judges also preside over the Court of Appeal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Who will preside over the Tony Awards?

The New York Times

(UNKNOWN): (OFF-MIKE), I'll preside over it.

The Washington Post

Now Anna was free to preside over the scale.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Table 5 was presided over by Mary Margaret Smith.

Los Angeles Times

The vice president presides over the Senate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preside over" when you want to emphasize the act of formally controlling or leading a meeting, event, or organization. For instance, "The chairman will preside over the annual shareholders' meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "preside over" if the context only involves influence or participation, not direct authority. Instead of saying 'He presides over the discussion', when he is only contributing, say 'He participated in the discussion'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preside over" functions as a phrasal verb. It signifies the action of leading, controlling, or being in charge of a meeting, event, or organization. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts ranging from courtrooms to ceremonies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preside over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies authority and control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. The examples provided illustrate its application across various contexts, from formal meetings and court proceedings to ceremonies and organizations. While the phrase is versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media, academia, and encyclopedic sources. When using "preside over", ensure the context involves direct authority rather than mere participation to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "lead", "chair", or "officiate" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chair a meeting

Focuses specifically on leading meetings.

take the chair

Refers to assuming the position of chairperson.

lead a session

Emphasizes guidance during a particular event.

head up

Indicates leadership or being in charge of something.

officiate at

Highlights formal administration or performance of a duty.

hold court

Suggests a formal or ceremonial leadership role.

govern

Implies broader control and rule.

be in charge of

Highlights responsibility and control.

superintend

Stresses overseeing and managing activities.

manage affairs

Focuses on handling and directing business or organizational matters.

FAQs

How is "preside over" used in a sentence?

The phrase "preside over" is used to indicate that someone is in charge of a meeting, event, or organization. For example, "The judge will preside over the trial" or "The president presides over the board meetings".

What are some alternatives to "preside over"?

You can use alternatives such as "lead a meeting", "chair a session", or "officiate at", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "president over" instead of "preside over"?

No, "president over" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase. The correct phrase is "preside over", which means to be in charge of or to govern something.

What's the difference between "preside over" and "govern"?

"Preside over" typically refers to overseeing a specific event, meeting, or organization, while "govern" implies a broader, more comprehensive role of leadership and control over a country, region, or people.