quest for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quest for power" is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used anytime you want to express someone's desire or ambition to gain power or control. Example: His relentless quest for power led him to backstab his own colleagues and manipulate his way to the top of the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Runs roughshod over others in a quest for power.

Harvard Business Review

His absence would pose a major challenge to the opposition in its quest for power.

The New York Times

He was encouraged in his quest for power by the oracle at Delphi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In medieval Japan, a warlord and his wife stop at nothing in their quest for power.

Stanford University

And as my wealth grew, so did my quest for power.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was about one man's quest for power, one man's ability to sell snake oil".

The New York Times

Greed, poverty and the quest for power are a combustible mix at election time in Nigeria.

The New York Times

This quest for power is the defining drive of Disraeli's life.

The Guardian - Books

His main opponent in the quest for power, Georgy M. Malenkov, was skilled in administration and headed the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The quest for power becomes a "life-and-death struggle" in which "the contestants are driven to extremes".

The New York Times - Books

Clive Palmer has called PUP senator Jacqui Lambie "a drama queen" who is "focused on her own quest for power".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quest for power" to describe a sustained and determined effort to gain control or influence, especially in political, social, or organizational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "quest for power" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It is more appropriate for describing significant struggles or ambitions on a larger scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quest for power" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sustained effort or ambition to gain control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quest for power" is a common noun phrase used to describe a determined effort to gain control or influence, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in academia and encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When writing, it is best to employ this phrase to depict significant struggles or ambitions, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Alternative phrases such as ""search for power"" or ""pursuit of power"" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Search for power

Uses "search" instead of "quest", implying a more active investigation or seeking.

Pursuit of power

Replaces "quest" with "pursuit", emphasizing the act of chasing or striving for power.

Struggle for power

Highlights the competitive and challenging nature of acquiring power.

Drive for dominance

Focuses on the ambition to achieve a leading or controlling position.

Yearning for authority

Emphasizes a deep longing for the right to command or make decisions.

Ambition for control

Highlights the desire to manage or direct affairs.

Aspiration for influence

Focuses on the desire to affect the behavior or opinions of others.

Power grab

Suggests an aggressive or forceful attempt to seize power.

Desire for supremacy

Highlights the ambition to be superior to all others.

Craving for ascendancy

Focuses on the longing to rise to a position of higher power or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "quest for power" in a sentence?

You can use "quest for power" to describe someone's determined effort to gain authority, control, or influence in a particular domain. For example: "His relentless "quest for power" led him to betray his allies."

What are some alternatives to "quest for power"?

Alternatives include "search for power", "pursuit of power", or "struggle for power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quest for power" in formal writing?

Yes, "quest for power" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing political strategies, historical events, or organizational dynamics. It's generally considered a neutral expression.

What is the difference between "quest for power" and "desire for power"?

"Quest for power" implies a more active and sustained effort to obtain power, while "desire for power" simply indicates a longing or wish for it. A "quest" suggests a journey or mission, whereas a "desire" may be passive.