under their power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under their power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is controlled or influenced by another party. Example: "The citizens felt that their rights were under their power, and they demanded change from the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Exorcism, an adjuration addressed to evil spirits to force them to abandon an object, place, or person; technically, a ceremony used in both Jewish and Christian traditions to expel demons from persons who have come under their power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In October, the council sent a letter to its 167 members, asking them to describe how they manage voltage, ensure reliable communications with their neighbors, handle the failure of control systems, train for emergencies, and keep the trees under their power lines trimmed all factors that contributed to the Aug. 14 blackout.

The New York Times

Finally, the example transceiver designs in Appendix are optimal for their metrics under their power constraints and nulling constraints A k F k  = 0, ∀k.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As the elite monopolize, average Americans remain confined under their power.

Huffington Post

On 1 October 1965, a group of Indonesian National Armed Forces members calling themselves the 30 September Movement killed six Army generals and announced that the president was under their power; the coup was quashed the following day.

Wikipedia

When the "FireRed and LeafGreen" volume of the manga began the original protagonists – Red, Blue, and Green – return to fight the newly formed Team Rocket and the Deoxys under their power.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But a few weeks later they were rearrested.Under their power-sharing pact, Messrs Tsvangirai and Mugabe are meant "to consult and agree" on all senior government appointments.

The Economist

The batteries have a claim to the title of the first ironclad warships but they were capable of only 4 knots (7 km/h) under their own power: they operated under their own power at the Battle of Kinburn, but had to be towed for long range transit.

Wikipedia

Beyond the ability to move out of the showroom under their own power, the Ramblers promised no further miracles.

Los Angeles Times

Any reasonably fit person should be able to take to the air under their own power". Southampton University is again at the forefront of British human-powered aircraft.

The Guardian

All the cars will have arrived under their own power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under their power" to describe situations where influence or control is actively being exerted, rather than simply potential authority.

Common error

Avoid using "under their power" in overly passive sentences. Instead, focus on who is exerting the power and how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under their power" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state of being controlled or influenced by a specific entity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under their power" is a grammatically sound and generally neutral prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being controlled or influenced, as confirmed by Ludwig. While "within their control" is a close synonym, "under their power" often suggests a more active or even oppressive form of dominance. Its frequency is uncommon, and it appears most often in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within their control

Focuses on the ability to manage or direct something.

subject to their authority

Highlights the legitimacy of control and the obligation to obey.

in their grasp

Implies a firm hold and possession, often with a negative connotation.

under their command

Emphasizes direct orders and obedience within a hierarchical structure.

at their mercy

Suggests a vulnerable position depending on the actions of those in control.

subordinate to them

Highlights a lower rank or position relative to those in control.

beholden to them

Indicates a sense of obligation or indebtedness to those in control.

dominated by them

Stresses the overwhelming influence or control exerted by a stronger party.

ruled by them

Emphasizes governance and the exercise of authority over a population or territory.

under their thumb

Implies oppressive or tyrannical control.

FAQs

How can I use "under their power" in a sentence?

You can use "under their power" to describe a state of control or influence. For example: "The citizens felt that their rights were under their power, and they demanded change from the government."

What can I say instead of "under their power"?

You can use alternatives like "within their control", "subject to their authority", or "in their grasp" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "under his power" or "under their power"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Under his power" refers to a single individual's control, while "under their power" refers to the control of a group or entity.

What is the difference between "under their control" and "under their power"?

"Under their control" emphasizes the ability to manage or direct, while "under their power" highlights the exertion of influence or authority. They are largely interchangeable, but "under their power" carries a stronger connotation of active dominance.