to acquire power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to acquire power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of gaining influence, control, or authority in various contexts, such as politics, business, or personal development. Example: "Many leaders strive to acquire power in order to implement their vision for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But he was clever and aggressive, and quickly began to acquire power.

The New Yorker

It is impossible therefore for any party to acquire power with a divisive agenda.

The Economist

They exploited their historical tragedy and French guilt to acquire power.

The New Yorker

Kingdoms set out to conquer other kingdoms, plundering wealth and amassing territory, all in an attempt to acquire power — and prominence in history.

The New Yorker

Although it is, in some places, now easier than ever for a woman to acquire power without marrying it, economic inequality has not disappeared.

The New Yorker

As the form of the mask develops, it is usually believed to acquire power increasingly in its own right, and again various procedures are prescribed to protect the craftsman and to ensure the potency of the object.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Of course, he also teaches politicians to acquire powers slowly, to avoid fantasies of divinity, and to watch their backs.

The Guardian - Opinion

As science progressed, we did indeed start to acquire powers that in pre-modern times were supposed to be possessed only by gods (Edmund Leach's point).

The Guardian - Opinion

Security and law enforcement agencies are hoping to acquire powers to make internet service providers warehouse information about what their customers do - information which the providers don't keep because it has no commercial value to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it should either abandon the claim to be a regulator – and carry on doing its valuable work of mediation and adjudication – or else it has to acquire powers of compelling witnesses, calling evidence etc.

The Guardian - Opinion

And sons are particularly important to mothers, who acquire power and authority when they have married sons.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the means by which someone seeks control, use "to acquire power" to emphasize the intention and active effort involved in gaining influence.

Common error

Avoid using "to acquire power" when simply describing someone receiving authority passively. The phrase is most effective when highlighting the active pursuit or strategic maneuvering involved in gaining influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to acquire power" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial of purpose, explaining why someone is taking a particular action. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to acquire power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates the intent of gaining influence, control, or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. While alternatives like "to gain influence" or "to secure control" exist, "to acquire power" emphasizes the active and strategic effort involved in the process. Remember to use it when highlighting intentionality and agency in the pursuit of control, rather than simply describing a passive receipt of authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gain influence

Focuses on the aspect of increasing one's influence rather than directly obtaining power.

to attain authority

Emphasizes achieving a recognized and legitimate form of control.

to secure control

Highlights the act of firmly establishing control over something or someone.

to obtain dominance

Stresses achieving a position of superiority and control.

to achieve ascendancy

Implies rising to a position of leadership or influence.

to seize authority

Suggests a forceful or opportunistic acquisition of authority.

to build leverage

Concentrates on creating a strategic advantage for gaining power.

to develop influence

Focuses on the gradual growth and expansion of one's influence.

to cultivate authority

Implies nurturing and fostering authority over time.

to arrogate power

Implies seizing power without justification or right.

FAQs

How can I use "to acquire power" in a sentence?

You can use "to acquire power" to describe the process of gaining influence, control, or authority. For example, "Many politicians strive "to acquire power" to implement their policies".

What are some alternatives to "to acquire power"?

Alternatives include "to gain influence", "to attain authority", or "to secure control", each emphasizing different aspects of gaining authority.

Is it better to say "to acquire power" or "to gain power"?

Both "to acquire power" and "to gain power" are correct. "To acquire power" suggests a more active and strategic effort, while "to gain power" can imply a more passive or gradual process.

In what contexts is "to acquire power" most appropriate?

"To acquire power" is particularly fitting when discussing political strategies, business negotiations, or personal development plans where the deliberate pursuit of influence is central. It highlights intentionality and action.