wields power over

USAGE SUMMARY

"wields power over" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have control or influence over something or someone. You can use it when describing someone or something that has authority or dominance over others. Example: The CEO of the company wields power over all decision-making processes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Rich wields power over poor.

The Guardian

Straight wields power over queer.

The Guardian

"When somebody wields power over you to kill you and doesn't, you feel this bizarre thankfulness," Mr. Myles said.

The New York Times

Mr Chernin still wields power over Mr Murdoch behind the scenes, but his star at News Corp is now in decline.

The Economist

This may be an overused expository device, but there is truth in it: no person wields power over another without revealing his nature.

The Guardian

But we all know that money is power, and it is the private not the public sphere that increasingly wields power over art.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Men wield power over women.

The Guardian

Don't use manipulation, possessiveness, or shame to wield power over children.

University of California, Berkeley

The days when the labels could wield power over music prices are largely gone.

The Economist

Large family clans wield power over their members, and Kadyrov presides over all of them.

The New Yorker

For one thing, the boards wield power over the hiring of district superintendents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wields power over", ensure the subject truly possesses the authority or influence implied. Overstating someone's power can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "wields power over" when describing situations of mere influence or persuasion. The phrase suggests a more direct and forceful control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wields power over" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of exerting control or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a standard and recognized expression in English. The provided examples showcase its ability to express relationships of dominance and influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wields power over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of exerting control or influence. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a recognized and standard phrase in English. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and formal settings. It's essential to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the subject truly possesses the power implied. Related phrases like "exerts influence on" or "exercises control over" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercises control over

Emphasizes direct management and regulation of something or someone.

has authority over

Indicates a formal or legitimate right to control or command.

exerts influence on

Focuses on the act of applying influence, rather than possessing inherent power.

holds sway over

Implies a dominant influence, often in a more abstract or pervasive way.

governs

Highlights the act of ruling and directing, typically in a political or administrative context.

dominates

Suggests a stronger, more forceful control, often implying suppression of others.

commands

Focuses on the ability to give orders and ensure they are followed.

presides over

Implies a formal leadership role, often in meetings or ceremonies.

is at the helm of

Metaphorically describes someone leading and directing a group or organization.

is in charge of

A more informal way of saying someone has responsibility and control.

FAQs

How to use "wields power over" in a sentence?

Use "wields power over" to describe someone or something that has significant control or influence over others. For example, "The president "wields power over" the executive branch."

What can I say instead of "wields power over"?

You can use alternatives like "exerts influence on", "exercises control over", or "has authority over" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "wields power over" or "has power over"?

"Wields power over" and "has power over" are both correct, but ""wields power over"" suggests a more active and deliberate exercise of that power.

What's the difference between "wields power over" and "exerts influence on"?

"Wields power over" implies a formal or inherent authority, while "exerts influence on" suggests a more subtle or persuasive form of control.