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Prepositions with nouns

Of power or in power?

In power is a common expression for holding political control. Of power usually appears in larger noun phrases rather than as a fixed expression.

Quick answer

Which phrase is standard?

Use in power to describe a person or party controlling a government or organisation. Of power is not a fixed alternative, but of can connect power to another noun, as in abuse of power.

The party has been in power for a decade.
She remained in power despite criticism.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in power

Describing political or institutional control

Use in power for governments, leaders, or groups that currently control authority.

A new coalition came in power after the election.
2
out of power

Describing loss of control

Use out of power when a leader or group no longer governs.

The party fell out of power last year.
3
power of + noun

Describing source or type of power

Power of connects power with its source, form, or owner.

They discussed the power of public opinion.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in power
The president is still in power.
Standard expression for holding authority.
of power
The abuse of power damaged public trust.
Of links power to another noun; it does not mean governing authority by itself.
power of
We underestimated the power of social media.
Standard structure describing a source or type of influence.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of power instead of in power

Use in power for political control.

✕ The party is of power. ✓ The party is in power.

Confusing power of with powerful

Power of is a noun structure, not an adjective.

✕ a power of leader ✓ a powerful leader

Missing the article in larger phrases

Specific references often need the.

✕ abuse of political power damaged trust ✓ The abuse of political power damaged trust

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The military remained ___ power for several years.
2. Citizens protested against the abuse ___ power.
3. They studied the power ___ advertising.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in power mean?

It means currently controlling a government or organisation.

Is of power a normal fixed phrase?

No. Of usually connects power to another noun, as in balance of power.

Can companies be in power?

Usually the phrase refers to governments or leaders, but it can also describe groups controlling an organisation.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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