within his power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within his power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has the ability or authority to do something. Example: "He will do everything within his power to help you succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Goodluck Jonathan must now do all in within his power to ensure their safe return.

Independent

It is within his power to stop the scandal in its tracks.

Independent

Sadiq is starting to use everything within his power to tackle this head on.

The Telegraph

That was wrong, and the president had it within his power to fix it, and he chose not to.

The New York Times - Magazine

Equally godless is he who has it within his power to avenge a misdeed and does not do so".

The New Yorker

But if he dares, Mr Bush has it within his power to make Annapolis so much more.

The Economist

"He was a good father as much as it was within his power," is how he puts it, diplomatically.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I wrote to Duncan Smith and asked him to change the rule, as it's within his power to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gould counterattacked with every means within his power, some of them legitimate, others of more dubious morality.

The Washington Post

He strutted, he posed and, unforgivably as Portugal fought to regain a foothold, he dived shamelessly when it seemed to be comfortably within his power to equalise.

Independent

The ECB medical staff hold him as one of the best examples of a player who does everything within his power to achieve maximum fitness to play cricket".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within his power" to clearly indicate the scope and limits of someone's ability or authority in a given situation. It's more precise than simply stating someone 'can' do something.

Common error

Avoid using "within his power" when describing actions that are merely influenced by someone, rather than directly controlled. The phrase suggests a level of direct control or authority that may not exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within his power" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the scope or limit of someone's ability or authority to take action or influence a situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within his power" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the extent of someone's ability or authority. As evidenced by the examples gathered by Ludwig, it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, but also appears in encyclopedic and scientific sources. To ensure proper usage, remember that the phrase implies a direct level of control and influence. While alternatives exist, such as "within his authority" or "to the best of his ability", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and understood, making it a reliable choice in a variety of writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within his authority

Emphasizes the official right or permission to act.

within his capabilities

Focuses on the inherent abilities or skills someone possesses.

to the best of his ability

Highlights the effort and dedication applied, rather than inherent power.

as far as he is able

Indicates a limitation or boundary to what can be achieved.

to the extent possible for him

Adds a degree of contingency and acknowledges potential constraints.

under his jurisdiction

Specifies that the power is tied to a defined area of responsibility.

in his capacity

Highlights the role or position from which the power is derived.

at his disposal

Refers to resources or means available for use, implying a more active role.

subject to his discretion

Indicates that the power involves making decisions and judgments.

in his remit

Implies that the power is part of an assigned task.

FAQs

How can I use "within his power" in a sentence?

Use "within his power" to describe the extent of someone's capabilities or authority to influence a situation or make decisions. For instance, "The president pledged to do everything "within his power" to resolve the crisis."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "within his power"?

Alternatives include "within his authority", "to the best of his ability", or "in his capacity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "within his powers" instead of "within his power"?

While "within his power" refers to general ability or authority, "within his powers" often suggests specific, defined authorities or capabilities, usually in a legal or formal context. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What is the difference between "within his power" and "within his reach"?

"Within his power" indicates the ability or authority to do something, while "within his reach" refers to accessibility or attainability. The former implies capability, the latter, proximity or feasibility.