wields power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wields power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has control or influence over others or a situation. Example: "The CEO wields power over the company's direction and decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This summer's biggest scandal the prosecution swirling around Russia's richest and most powerful company, Yukos Oil -- has spawned endless speculation about who really wields power under President Vladimir V. Putin.

The New York Times

Rich wields power over poor.

The Guardian

Straight wields power over queer.

The Guardian

Germany wields power in Europe in three ways.

The Economist

The Egyptian revolution is over, the army wields power and the new government is in disarray.

The New York Times - Books

The ISI wields power in Pakistani politics and has been accused of colluding with militants.

The Economist

Under communism, political affiliation bought influence but in the new democracy, money wields power.

The Economist

That's a windfall for the diplomacy of a man who wields power as Mr. Netanyahu does.

The New York Times

The military does not impose direct rule but wields power through a series of caretaker governments.

The Guardian

The exercise of taste is a matter of who wields power at a given moment.

The New York Times - Arts

His downfall offers a study in how the Kremlin wields power in the Putin era.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the use of power, consider the context and choose a verb that accurately reflects the nature of the power being exercised. For example, use "exercises authority" in formal settings and "holds sway" when referring to influence.

Common error

Avoid using "wields power" in casual conversation or informal writing. It often sounds overly formal or dramatic in settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wields power" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the active exercise of control or influence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes how someone actively uses their authority, as in "The army wields power". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wields power" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the active exercise of control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and analytical contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. By considering alternatives like "exercises authority" or "exerts influence", writers can fine-tune their language for the most precise and impactful communication. This ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's effectiveness in depicting power dynamics in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerts influence

Replaces "power" with "influence", focusing on the act of affecting something.

exercises authority

Emphasizes the formal right to give commands and make decisions.

commands respect

Highlights the ability to gain respect and obedience, changing the focus from raw power.

holds sway

Indicates a dominant influence or control over someone or something.

maintains control

Focuses on the act of keeping power or influence in a stable manner.

has dominion over

Suggests a supreme authority or sovereignty.

is in charge of

Simple and direct, indicating responsibility and control.

dictates terms

Implies a forceful and uncompromising exercise of power.

governs effectively

Focuses on the positive aspect of using power to manage and lead.

dominates proceedings

Implies control over a specific event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "wields power" in a sentence?

You can use "wields power" to describe someone who has control or influence over others, such as "The CEO "wields power" over the company's strategic direction."

What are some alternatives to "wields power"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exerts influence", "exercises authority", or "holds sway".

Is "wields power" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "wields power" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing political, corporate, or social dynamics where the exercise of control is a key theme.

What is the difference between "wields power" and "has power"?

"Has power" simply indicates possession of power, while ""wields power"" suggests the active use or exercise of that power. For example, someone might "have power" due to their position, but how they ""wields power"" determines their effectiveness.