wielded

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "wielded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of holding and using a tool, weapon, or influence effectively. Example: "The warrior wielded his sword with great skill during the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They singled out the boy and then shot him in both legs while another of the gang wielded a baseball bat, the PSNI said.

The Guardian

Well, it's not any old bat: it's the one Viv Richards wielded to score the fastest century in Test history, off 56 balls, and even now, 15 years later, you can imagine the shock of being an English bowler that day, huffing and puffing to the wicket only to hear the whipcrack of another brutal boundary.

The Guardian - Travel

The suggestions received by the panel in the past few months have ranged from the outlandish – a London Eye-like installation called the Sudarshan Chakra, the spinning disc of death wielded by the god Vishnu – to the everyday: most people asked for parks and promenades and water transport.

The Guardian

It was the secret state and those who wielded it against people defending their livelihoods across Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given how much of a battleground the aspirational agenda would later become, wielded against Labour as proof of its capitulation to Conservative rhetoric, this was significant.

The Guardian

The word "immature" is too often wielded as an insult, usually to shame you into doing something boring.

The Guardian

Erdoğan, a three-time prime minister who has wielded power since 2002, now faces the prospect of continuing in the largely ceremonial post of president, to which he was elected last year, while real executive power is in the hands of his protege Ahmet Davutoğlu, the current prime minister.

The Guardian

It could be that disproportionate influence being wielded by small, sectional parties will prompt voters to swing back to the big two.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prominent bloggers argue it is yet another step to crack down on free expression and will be wielded against critics of the regime.

The Guardian

Charlie Hebdo's supporters say they are wielded for anti-racist purposes; the doubters are not so sure.

The Guardian

This series Warner has wielded his bat with the cavalier energy of Virender Sehwag at his best, the combination of strokeplay and moustache suggesting less David Boon – another obvious comparison, given their shared refreshment preferences – than Errol Flynn.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wielded" to describe the act of handling power, authority, or influence, particularly when it involves skill or control. For example, "The CEO wielded considerable influence over the company's direction."

Common error

Avoid using "wielded" to describe situations where power is passively received or experienced. "Wielded" implies active use and control, not simply possession. For instance, instead of saying "He was wielded by fear", consider "He was overcome by fear".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wielded" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb "wield". It's used to describe the action of holding and using something effectively, often power, authority, or a tool. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wielded" is the past tense of the verb "wield", signifying the act of effectively using power, authority, or a tool. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts, particularly in news and business domains. When using "wielded", ensure it aligns with the active exercise of control and authority, and avoid using it to describe passive experiences. Consider alternatives like "exerted" or "exercised" to add nuance. Understanding these subtleties will enhance your writing and ensure precision in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerted

This alternative emphasizes the application of effort or force to achieve a specific outcome.

exercised

This term focuses on the active use of power, rights, or qualities.

employed

Implies using something as a means to an end, often referring to skills or resources.

applied

Highlights the practical use of a method, idea, or quality.

utilized

Focuses on the efficient and practical use of resources or opportunities.

manipulated

Suggests skillful handling or control, sometimes with a negative connotation.

commanded

Emphasizes authority and the ability to give orders effectively.

controlled

Focuses on maintaining power and authority over something or someone.

brought to bear

This phrase emphasizes the application of influence or pressure to achieve a desired result.

brought into play

Highlights the act of making something active or effective, like a skill or resource, in a certain situation.

FAQs

How can I use "wielded" in a sentence?

Use "wielded" to describe someone or something that effectively uses power, authority, or a tool. For example, "The knight "wielded his sword" with great skill" or "The politician "wielded considerable influence" over the decision-making process".

What are some alternatives to "wielded"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exerted", "exercised", "employed", or "controlled". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the word that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "wielded power" or "had power"?

Both are correct but have different meanings. "Wielded power" implies that someone actively used their power, while "had power" simply indicates that someone possessed power, whether or not they used it. Consider "exercised power" as another alternative.

What's the difference between "wielded" and "brandished"?

"Wielded" implies using something effectively, often power or influence. "Brandished", on the other hand, means to wave something menacingly, particularly a weapon. For example, a knight "wielded" a sword, while a robber might "brandish" a knife. The primary difference is about its use versus display of use.