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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Have agency over
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "have agency over" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when discussing someone or something that has the power or authority to take action, make decisions, or control something. For example, "The government has agency over the actions of its citizens."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
"I want to make choices and actually have agency over my life.
News & Media
"How can you have economic agency, political agency, social agency, if you don't have agency over yourself?" .
News & Media
Follow Sarika Chawla on Twitter.
News & Media
"What I do know is that we are made of water and so we must cultivate the ability to self-seal if we are to move through this life with any sort of coalescence, with any sort of uprightness, with any sort of ability to guide and have agency over what we do with our time here".
News & Media
This opens the question of the implications, for public health, of recognising the ways in which food may have agency over eaters.
Science
We want students to have agency over the exam and an understanding of all its components.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
Rodgers is clear: only one person has agency over a coaching career that began at 20 when he was forced to stop playing for Reading due to injury.
News & Media
Parents have to be got rid of for interesting stories to take place, where the child has agency over his or her fate.
News & Media
"We had agency over what type of porn we wanted to consume because Tumblr gave us the freedom to express our tastes in whatever pastiche we found arousing".
News & Media
He has agency over whom he chooses to assist.
News & Media
"My work is about having agency over the representation of my story and stories like mine," Barlow said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "have agency over" to emphasize someone's capacity to make independent choices and direct their actions. This phrasing is particularly effective when highlighting empowerment or autonomy in a given situation.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "have agency over" when describing situations where someone is simply following orders or lacking real decision-making power. Ensure the subject truly possesses the ability to influence outcomes.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "have agency over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to exert control or influence over something. Ludwig's examples show it's often used when discussing individuals or entities that possess decision-making power.
Expression frequency: Common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
62%
Academia
22%
Science
16%
⚠ Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "have agency over" is a versatile expression indicating the capacity to exert control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media and Academia, the phrase effectively communicates autonomy and decision-making power. Remember to use it when you want to highlight someone's ability to make independent choices and influence outcomes, and consider related phrases like "exercise control over" or "have influence on" for nuanced expression.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
exercise control over
Focuses on the act of actively using control, emphasizing the exertion of power.
possess authority over
Highlights the formal right to control or make decisions.
have influence on
Indicates a more subtle form of control through persuasion or indirect action.
be responsible for
Emphasizes accountability and obligation in managing something.
dictate the terms of
Suggests a strong position of power in setting conditions or rules.
be in charge of
A more informal way of expressing responsibility and control.
More alternative expressions(2)
FAQs
How can I use "have agency over" in a sentence?
You can use "have agency over" to indicate someone's ability to make decisions and control their own actions. For example: "The course aims to help students "have agency over" their learning process."
What phrases are similar to "have agency over"?
Alternatives include "exercise control over", "possess authority over", or "have influence on depending on the context".
Is it better to use "have authority over" or "have agency over"?
"Have authority over" implies a formal right or power, while ""have agency over"" suggests the capacity to act independently and make choices. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize formal power or personal autonomy.
What does it mean to "have agency over" something?
To ""have agency over"" something means to have the ability to control, influence, and make decisions about it. It implies a level of autonomy and self-determination.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested