regime change

USAGE SUMMARY

'regime change' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to when the government of a country is replaced. For example: "After many years of civil unrest, Eritrea finally saw a regime change in 2018."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Regime change.

The New Yorker

Regime change for OPEC?

The Economist

They want regime change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regime change, anyone?

The New York Times

Bring about regime change.

The New York Times

It got regime change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regime change wasn't essential.

The New York Times

Regime change often backfires.

The Washington Post

Regime change – democratic regime change – must be the objective.

Stanford University

"People want a complete regime change.

The New York Times

Regime change has recently been sweeping Hollywood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive geopolitical situations, use "regime change" with careful consideration of its implications and potential connotations. Be mindful of the context and audience.

Common error

Using "regime change" in contexts outside of political science or international relations can sound inappropriate or insensitive. Ensure that your writing does not trivialize serious political events by using the term loosely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regime change" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the event or process of a government being replaced. Ludwig's examples show it being used in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regime change" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes the replacement of a government. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and academic contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While widely used, it's crucial to employ the term judiciously, considering its potential implications and the sensitivity of the subject matter. Alternatives like "governmental transition" or "change of government" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change of government

A simpler, more direct way of stating that the ruling power has been replaced.

transfer of power

Highlights the act of power being passed from one entity to another.

power shift

A concise expression denoting a change in the distribution of power.

governmental transition

Focuses on the shift in government, highlighting a potentially smoother or more managed process.

change in administration

Refers specifically to a new set of administrators taking over the government.

political transformation

Stresses the deep and fundamental changes to the political landscape.

political overhaul

Emphasizes a comprehensive restructuring of the political system, not just a change in leadership.

establishment replacement

Implies a more radical change, replacing the entire existing establishment.

systemic transformation

Broader term indicating a change affecting the entire system, not limited to just the government.

leadership succession

Focuses on the replacement of leaders, which may or may not involve broader systemic change.

FAQs

How is "regime change" typically used in a sentence?

"Regime change" is often used to describe the overthrow or replacement of a government, as in "The intervention was aimed at regime change".

What's a less politically charged way to say "regime change"?

Depending on the context, you could use "change of government", "political transition", or "leadership succession".

Is "regime change" always a violent process?

While "regime change" often implies external force or internal conflict, it can also refer to a "peaceful transition of power" through elections or other non-violent means.

What are the potential consequences of "regime change"?

The consequences of "regime change" can be far-reaching and include political instability, economic disruption, and humanitarian crises. As Ludwig's examples show, "Regime change often has unintended consequences".