seize authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seize authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is taking control or asserting power over a situation, organization, or group. Example: "The new manager aimed to seize authority over the team to implement her vision for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Number two: seize authority over your thoughts.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Bloomberg has made improving the schools a focus of his mayoralty, seizing authority over the bureaucracy, doubling the budget and opening hundreds of additional, small schools.

The New York Times

"The most powerful C.E.O.'s have effectively seized authority over a vast range of America's corporate resources," he wrote, "and through those resources over the nation itself without assuming any responsibilities of dominion".

The New York Times

It must give assurances that it will not seize exclusive authority over Egypt for itself and its allies.

The Guardian - Opinion

These two cases represent an impressive intake for one weekend given that in 2005 Cambodian authorities seized just over 11 kg of heroin.

The Guardian

Moreover, the political result was almost invariably the same: the slaves exploited the military power vested in them to seize control over the legitimate political authorities, often only briefly but sometimes for astonishingly long periods of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But elephants, tigers, rhinos and other "charismatic megafauna" are not the only animals in trouble.On March 15th, days after conservationists discussed clamping down on wildlife smuggling at a recent CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) conference in Thailand, Thai authorities seized over 300 live tortoises at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Economist

BBC reports that Chinese authorities seized over 100,000 tons of meat from smugglers in the Hunan province, some dating back to the Carter Administration, as part of a nationwide crackdown on poor food standards.

Vice

Half a year after the nightlife debacle in which Williamsburg nightclub, Verboten, closed its doors after the authorities seized the venue over $360,000 in unpaid taxes, news has hit the streets literally of a new nightclub ready to fill its neon-tinged shoes.

Vice

The decision by Spanish authorities to seize a savings bank over the weekend and then encourage the merger of four other troubled banks raised questions about the health of Spain's broader banking system.

The New York Times

Tunnel vision seized the authorities.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize an active and decisive assumption of control, use "seize authority over". It suggests a deliberate action to take charge.

Common error

Avoid using "seize authority over" in overly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced term like "assume responsibility for" or "exercise leadership in" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize authority over" functions as a verb phrase that typically describes an action where someone or something actively takes control or power. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in English. The phrase is often used to describe a forceful or decisive assumption of command.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seize authority over" is a correct and usable English phrase that describes the action of decisively taking control. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound. Although it appears relatively infrequently, when it is used it is found mainly in news and media contexts. Related phrases include alternatives like "take command of" or "assume control over", which may offer a slightly different shade of meaning. When using "seize authority over", be mindful of the potential implication of an aggressive or illegitimate acquisition of power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take command of

Focuses more on the act of commanding, less on the legitimacy of authority.

assume control over

Emphasizes the act of assuming control, suggesting a transfer of power.

establish dominance over

Highlights the establishment of a dominant position.

assert influence over

Indicates the exercise of influence, which can be more subtle than direct authority.

wield power over

Focuses on the application of existing power.

gain ascendancy over

Suggests a gradual rise to a position of power.

grab power over

Implies a sudden and perhaps illegitimate acquisition of power.

usurp authority over

Indicates the unlawful seizure of authority.

arrogate to oneself authority over

Suggests taking or claiming authority without justification.

be in charge of

Represents a general responsibility without necessarily denoting authority.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "seize authority over" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "assume control over", "exercise authority over", or "assert dominance over", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "seize authority over" and "take control of"?

"Seize authority over" implies a more forceful or decisive action in gaining control, often suggesting a challenge to existing power structures. "Take control of" is a more general term for assuming management or command.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "seize authority over"?

Use "seize authority over" when you want to convey a sense of deliberate action and decisive control. It's fitting in contexts where someone is actively taking charge or asserting power, especially in response to a perceived lack of leadership or direction.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "seize authority over"?

Yes, "seize authority over" can imply a somewhat aggressive or even illegitimate acquisition of power, especially if the context suggests that the authority was not rightfully theirs to take. Be mindful of this connotation and use it judiciously to avoid unintended implications.