take up power

USAGE SUMMARY

'take up power' is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
To utilize 'power' in a sentence, it is more common to use verbs such as 'assume', 'amass', 'harness', 'utilize', or 'wield'. Example: The wizard assumed great power in his quest to save the kingdom.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Meanwhile, in the more rarefied pockets of Manhattan, prominent people were beginning to take up "power lunching" — a term coined by the Esquire editor Lee Eisenberg, to describe the apotheosis of that mid-day ritual as it unfolded in the sleek, modernist splendor of the Grill Room at the Four Seasons Restaurant.

The New Yorker

Now, after President Hamid Karzai drafted him as a running mate, he is poised to take up power again and is re-emerging as an important power broker for Mr. Karzai, despite lingering reservations about him among American officials and others in the West.

The New York Times

Research has shown that those who take up power poses – that is, spreading out and making themselves "bigger" – report feeling more confident.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Takes up power boat racing and is killed in 1987 off the Isle of Wight.

The Guardian - Sport

By contrast, Lozano's ion thrusters — even if combined in an array — would take up minimal power and real estate, providing an efficient and low-cost option for exploring the solar system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This would allow the Assembly (subject to a referendum on whether it should take up this power) to set, for example, a higher top rate of income tax, compared to other parts of the UK, without also raising the basic rate.

BBC

Take up a power pose.

WikiHow

Although there is a legal and medical test if there is a dispute, appointed PoAs can take up their powers when they feel the person is losing capacity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Under the new measures a referendum will allow the Welsh to decide whether to take up some powers over income tax, as has already happened in Scotland.

The Guardian

He said his party wanted Wales to be offered the "same deal as Scotland", adding: "It would then be for the Welsh people to determine whether we wanted to take up those powers".

BBC

Taking up the negative powers of noise, we argue that its disruptive, illegible and unintelligible attributes produce a critical lens for understanding sound’s interaction with the material world, literature, and cultural production in general.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the acquisition of power, use stronger verbs like "assume", "seize", or "wield" for greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying someone "took up power", state that they "assumed authority".

Common error

Avoid using "take up" with abstract nouns like "power" when describing acquisition. "Take up" typically refers to starting a hobby or occupying space, not assuming authority. Prefer stronger verbs to convey the meaning accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take up power" functions as a verb phrase, attempting to describe the act of acquiring or assuming authority. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is not considered grammatically sound in written English. It attempts to convey the initiation of control or influence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "take up power" is understandable, it is not considered grammatically correct in formal written English. Ludwig AI indicates that stronger verbs such as "assume", "seize", or "wield" are preferable for clarity and impact. This analysis shows that while the phrase appears across different contexts such as News & Media, Wiki and Academia, it is still rare and can be improved with alternative word choices. For more precise and impactful writing, consider using alternatives like "assume authority" or "acquire influence", especially in formal or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume authority

Focuses on formally accepting a position or role of control.

seize power

Emphasizes a forceful or sudden acquisition of control.

acquire influence

Highlights the gradual process of gaining persuasive capacity.

gain control

Stresses the act of achieving dominance or command over something.

wield authority

Implies the active and effective use of existing power.

exercise control

Highlights the practical application of authority in a specific situation.

assert dominance

Focuses on establishing a position of superiority or command.

step into a leadership role

Suggests assuming a position of guidance and responsibility.

grasp the reins

Implies taking control in order to direct or manage something.

usurp authority

Suggests wrongfully or illegally seizing power from another.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "take up power"?

Instead of "take up power", consider using stronger and more precise verbs such as "assume authority", "seize power", or "acquire influence" depending on the specific context.

Is "take up power" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "take up power" is not considered the most grammatically sound or idiomatic way to express the acquisition of power. Stronger verbs are generally preferred.

How can I use "assume authority" instead of "take up power"?

Use "assume authority" to indicate a formal or legitimate acceptance of power. For example, "The newly elected leader will "assume authority" next week".

What's the difference between "take up power" and "wield authority"?

"Take up power" vaguely suggests the act of gaining control, whereas "wield authority" implies the active and effective use of existing power. "Wield authority" is also the more grammatically sound and standard version.