seized power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seized power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone takes control or authority, often by force or without legal right. Example: "After months of unrest, the military seized power and declared a state of emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seized power in 1962.

The Economist

Johnny Paul Koroma seized power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then Mr Guei seized power.

The Economist

In 1975 they seized power.

The Economist

The DPJ may finally have seized power.

The Economist

The Supreme Court has seized power never intended.

The New York Times

Abdul Aziz seized power in Riyadh in 1902.

The New Yorker

Gen. Omar Ḥasan Aḥmad al-Bashir seized power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The law enforcement bodies have seized power.

The New York Times

The Nazis seized power in a putsch.

The Guardian

The current junta seized power that year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seized power" to describe situations where control is taken abruptly or forcefully, often implying a lack of legitimacy or through a coup or revolution.

Common error

Avoid using "seized power" in situations where authority is transferred legitimately or through established procedures. Opt for terms like "assumed office" or "took control" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seized power" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of forcibly or illegitimately taking control or authority. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and provides numerous examples of its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seized power" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the forceful or illegitimate acquisition of control or authority. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans various contexts, most notably in news, encyclopedias, and academic sources. While alternatives like "took control" or "assumed command" exist, they lack the specific connotation of abruptness and potential illegality inherent in "seized power". When writing, consider the implications of force or illegitimacy to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took control

Replaces "seized" with a more neutral term, suggesting a less forceful acquisition of power.

usurped authority

Implies an illegitimate or unlawful taking of power.

assumed command

Suggests a taking of power within a hierarchical structure, often military.

wrested control

Emphasizes a struggle or effort involved in taking power.

grabbed power

Highlights the suddenness and opportunism of the power seizure.

appropriated authority

Suggests a formal or official taking of power, often without right.

arrogated power

Implies a presumptuous and unwarranted assumption of power.

came to power

Focuses on the attainment of power, without specifying the means.

established dominance

Highlights the resulting state of control after power is taken.

gained the upper hand

Suggests achieving a position of control or advantage over others.

FAQs

What does "seized power" mean?

The phrase "seized power" describes the act of taking control, often by force or illegitimately. It implies a sudden and often unwelcome shift in authority.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "seized power"?

Use "seized power" when describing situations where authority is taken abruptly, forcefully, or without legal right, such as in coups or revolutions.

What are some alternatives to "seized power"?

You can use alternatives like "took control", "usurped authority", or "assumed command" depending on the context.

How does "seized power" differ from "gained power"?

"Seized power" implies a forceful or illegitimate taking of control, whereas "gained power" suggests a more gradual or legitimate acquisition of authority.