ruling force

USAGE SUMMARY

"ruling force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an authoritative power in a particular situation or circumstance. For example, "The military acted as a ruling force in the area for several years, until the people voted for a new government leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

From Claude Monet to Georgia O'Keefe, this is a reminder of the pleasure of art museums – they tell us something about a world we dream to live in, one where aesthetics are the ruling force of nature, where delighting in small details, such as the color of the sky, is like a croissant after a run – never a sin, always a pleasure.

Princeton University

there was nothing in Nature the mother and ruling force of all created things with her constant revolution of the heavens that he could not paint with his stylus, pen, or brush or make so similar to its original in Nature that it did not appear to be the original rather than a reproduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Giotto's own contemporary Boccaccio said of him in the Decameron that there was nothing in Nature the mother and ruling force of all created things with her constant revolution of the heavens that he could not paint with his stylus, pen, or brush or make so similar to its original in Nature that it did not appear to be the original rather than a reproduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Britain was the acknowledged ruling force in Egypt from 1882 and in the Sudan from 1899.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If we are now in an era when celebrities control the fashion world, Zoe has been its ruling force.

The Guardian

Fatah, the late Palestinian leader's party and the ruling force in the Palestinian Authority (PA), is watching Hamas with growing alarm.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There is evidence that sanctions are finally having an effect on one of the most abusive governments in the world: the ruling forces in Burma, now called Myanmar by the military junta.

The New York Times

"But it seems that what is going on behind the scenes is some sort of negotiation or staring match or game of chicken going on between the ruling forces of SCAF and the Muslim Brotherhood".

The New Yorker

Neither the consent decree nor the court ruling forces the government to separate families.

The Washington Post

The Daubert ruling forced federal judges to become more sophisticated about science, which has not been easy for them.

The New Yorker

Ms. Muhammad appealed, arguing that the ruling forced her to choose between her religious beliefs and her case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ruling force" to describe an entity that has significant control or influence over a situation or group. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being ruled or influenced.

Common error

Avoid using "ruling force" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for more formal or analytical contexts where a distinct power dynamic is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruling force" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies an entity exerting control or dominance. Ludwig examples show it describing political entities, historical powers, and even abstract concepts like aesthetics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ruling force" is a noun phrase used to describe an entity that wields significant control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias, highlighting its role in describing political, historical, and organizational power structures. While semantically similar phrases exist, such as "dominant power" or "governing authority", "ruling force" carries a unique connotation of active and enforced control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant power

Replaces "force" with "power", emphasizing the ability to control.

governing authority

Focuses on the legitimacy and structure of the control.

controlling influence

Highlights the impact on decisions and actions.

supreme command

Emphasizes the hierarchical nature and ultimate control.

leading faction

Refers to a group that is in control, often politically.

reigning influence

Suggests a pervasive and sustained control.

ascendant power

Implies a rising and increasingly dominant control.

hegemonic power

Highlights cultural or political dominance.

chief authority

Underscores the primary and ultimate source of control.

power in charge

A more direct and less formal way of stating who is in control.

FAQs

How is "ruling force" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "ruling force" is used to describe an entity that exerts control or significant influence, as in, "The military was the "ruling force" in the region after the coup".

What are some alternatives to "ruling force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "dominant power", "governing authority", or "controlling influence".

Is "ruling force" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "ruling force" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing political, historical, or organizational power dynamics. It conveys a sense of authority and control.

What is the difference between "ruling force" and "leading faction"?

"Ruling force" generally refers to an entity with overall control, while "leading faction" specifically denotes a group within a larger organization or political landscape that holds the most power or influence.