wield over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wield over" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression is typically "wield" used without "over," as in having power or influence over something. Example: "He wields significant influence in the organization."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Also, some folks are really starting to get nervous about all the influence that John Tillman appears to wield over Rauner these days.

Huffington Post

It is the control that investment banks wield over initial public offerings.

The New York Times

"Politically, it seems to have tightened the grip Supreme Leader Khamenei has sought to wield over the country….

The New Yorker

Yet it is not clear what influence, if any, the Sunni leaders could wield over their divided people.

The Economist

It also demonstrated the influence a single education advocacy group has come to wield over policy decisions.

The New York Times

There were admissions of responsibility for the huge influence they wield over teenage girls battling with adolescent body image problems.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or maybe it was because I longed for the power only a mother can wield over her offspring.

The New York Times

But even her personal riches were overshadowed by the influence that Oprah could wield over other people's success.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Third, there is the economic power Britain wielded over Argentina in the nineteenth century, prompting the sort of mixed feelings many Latin Americans feel today towards the USA.

The Guardian - Sport

And second, the power Beyoncé wields over 21st-century womanhood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The power that Mr. Zuckerberg wields over the company has already drawn scrutiny.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "wield over" is frequently used, it's more grammatically sound to simply use "wield" when indicating the exercise of power or influence. For example, "He wields considerable power" is preferable to "He wields power over others".

Common error

Avoid redundancy by omitting "over" after "wield". Using "wield" alone already implies exercising control or influence, making "over" unnecessary and potentially awkward. Instead of saying "She wields influence over the decision", say "She wields influence on the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield over" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of exercising power or influence. Although widely used, Ludwig AI notes that it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The verb "wield" generally implies having and exercising control, so adding "over" can be redundant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wield over" is commonly used to describe the exercise of power or influence. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable, suggesting that using "wield" alone is often more appropriate. While the phrase is prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news media, formal and scientific writing, alternatives such as "exert influence on" or "exercise control over" may offer greater grammatical precision. When crafting your writing, be mindful of this nuance to ensure clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have authority over

Suggests a legitimate or recognized power to control.

exercise control over

Emphasizes the active management and regulation of something.

maintain control of

Focuses on the continuous effort to keep something under control.

exert influence on

Focuses on the act of applying influence, suggesting a more active and intentional effort.

hold sway over

Indicates a powerful influence or persuasive effect.

command influence over

Highlights the ability to control or direct something through influence.

oversee

Highlights the act of supervising and directing something.

dominate

Implies a position of power and control, often through strength or authority.

govern

Implies a structured and systematic approach to managing or controlling.

administer

Suggests a formal and organized way of managing or controlling.

FAQs

Is "wield over" grammatically correct?

According to standard English usage, the phrase "wield over" is generally considered incorrect. It's more appropriate to use "wield" without "over" to indicate exercising power or influence.

What does it mean to "wield" something?

To "wield" something means to hold and use (a weapon or tool). Figuratively, it means to have and exercise (power or influence).

What can I say instead of "wield over"?

You can use alternatives such as "exert influence on", "exercise control over", or "hold sway over" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "wield influence" or "wield influence over"?

It's generally better to say "wield influence". Adding "over" is often redundant. For example, "She wields influence" is more concise and grammatically preferred.