privilege over

USAGE SUMMARY

"privilege over" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone (or something) having a higher standing than another person or thing, or to indicate that one individual has a special advantage or authority compared to others. For example: "As a senator, she had a privilege over others in deciding the fate of various legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

President Obama asserted executive privilege over the documents.

The New York Times

I've had the absolute privilege over the past thirty-five years of working with extraordinary people.

The New Yorker

What are the ultimate goals and values we should privilege over others?

Stanford University

Typically, he noted, such an action would waive any privilege over those documents.

The New York Times

Byatt often gives the reader the privilege over her characters of noticing such correspondences.

The Guardian - Books

President Barack Obama did not assert privilege over a single document.

The Washington Post

Epitope-based vaccines have remarkable privilege over the conventional ones since they are specific, able to avoid undesirable immune responses, generate long lasting immunity, and are reasonably cheaper.

Trials in Vaccinology

"It's been my fate and privilege over the years to sit next to various people who were approving Apple's expense accounts," Al Siegal says.

The New Yorker

He has repeatedly favoured secrecy and "executive privilege" over consultation and compromise.Mr Cheney scored a few points in the administration's defence on Wednesday.

The Economist

It was meant to signify the turn to a republican government, in which all took part and no single person held special privilege over the artifacts.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In her few short years on New York stages Ms. Rabe has specialized in playing young women who are cloistered, whether by wealth, privilege, over-protective families or by their own dreamy detachment from the real world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "privilege over", ensure the context clearly defines what the privilege entails and who or what is being prioritized. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the scope and limitations of the advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "privilege over" in contexts where a simple preference or difference exists, without a genuine imbalance of power or entitlement. Overusing the term can dilute its meaning and suggest undue bias where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "privilege over" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that denotes a hierarchical relationship. It indicates that one entity possesses a special right, advantage, or immunity compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "privilege over" effectively communicates a preferential status or advantage held by one entity compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in news, science and academia. While often associated with formal settings, its precise meaning and proper usage are critical to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "superiority over" or "advantage over" can offer nuanced substitutes, but it is important to understand "privilege over" implies a right or entitlement. Careful selection and contextual awareness ensure this phrase is used accurately and impactfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superiority over

Replaces "privilege" with a more direct term for being higher in rank or quality.

advantage over

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of having a privileged position.

precedence over

Highlights the order or priority in which something is treated.

priority over

Focuses on the aspect of being treated as more important.

ascendancy over

Emphasizes a dominant or controlling influence.

edge over

A more informal way to express having a slight advantage.

control over

Highlights the aspect of having the power to direct or influence.

sway over

Implies a persuasive influence or power.

entitlement to

Shifts the focus to the right or claim associated with the privilege.

preference for

Suggests a bias or inclination towards one thing over another.

FAQs

How can I use "privilege over" in a sentence?

You can use "privilege over" to indicate that someone or something is given preferential treatment or advantage compared to another. For example, "The company prioritizes profit, giving it a "privilege over" environmental concerns."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "privilege over"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "superiority over", "advantage over", or "precedence over", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "privilege over" and "advantage over"?

"Privilege over" often implies a right or entitlement, sometimes unearned, while "advantage over" suggests a beneficial circumstance or position gained through skill or circumstance. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.

When is it appropriate to use "privilege over"?

It's appropriate to use "privilege over" when describing situations where a specific entity or group is granted special rights, benefits, or immunities that are not equally available to others. This can be in legal, social, economic, or other contexts.