a flat battery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flat battery" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a battery that has no charge left and cannot power a device. Example: "I was late to the meeting because my car wouldn't start; I realized I had a flat battery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

So the Rudd media bus has a flat battery.

The Guardian

An AA mechanic assists with a flat battery.

The Guardian - Business

I called it out one Sunday in late September as I had a flat battery.

The Guardian - Money

My mobile has a flat battery, so I'm unable to listen to the news.

The Guardian

My digital camera soon had a flat battery as time and time again I wasn't quite quick enough.

The Guardian - Travel

Britain's Department for Transport (DfT) advised that the new restriction meant any electronic device with a flat battery would not be allowed on flights, the Press Association reported.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The peculiar collapses to which he was subject were eventually diagnosed as the result of a disease of the red blood cells, which ensured that his basic state of being was that of a machine operating on a nearly flat battery.

The Guardian - Books

A small, flat battery underneath the passenger compartment would power the Box, providing a range of about 40 kilometers, or roughly 25 miles, and a top speed of 35 m.p.h.

The New York Times

The MEB is designed to be used in more car designs going forward, and is focused on maximizing vehicle ride comfort, safety, and use of space, with a floor-iterated flat battery pack, a long wheelbase and more.

TechCrunch

For example, when the mechanic tells one over the phone to connect a charged battery to the flat battery of one's car, the information one receives is not factual, but instructional.

SEP

I was tired, hungry and had a flat iPhone battery, but I was a survivor, and that means something.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicles or devices, specify the type of battery if relevant (e.g. "a flat car battery", "a flat phone battery") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "flat battery" is always due to age; other factors like leaving lights on or a faulty charging system can also be the cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flat battery" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a battery that has lost its charge. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts such as car troubles, electronic devices, and even metaphorical descriptions of human energy levels. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flat battery" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a battery that has lost its charge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Alternatives include "a dead battery" and "a discharged battery". When using the phrase, remember to specify the type of battery for clarity and consider that factors other than age can cause a battery to go flat.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dead battery

Replaces "flat" with "dead", indicating a non-functional battery.

a discharged battery

Uses "discharged" to describe the battery's state of being depleted of power.

a depleted battery

Similar to 'discharged battery', emphasizing the depletion of energy.

a drained battery

Uses "drained" to convey that the battery's energy has been completely used up.

a run-down battery

Employs "run-down" to suggest the battery has lost its charge over time.

a powerless battery

Focuses on the lack of power in the battery.

a spent battery

Indicates the battery has exhausted its energy.

a low battery

Indicates the battery has minimal charge remaining.

a non-functioning battery

Emphasizes that the battery is not working.

a failing battery

Suggests the battery is in the process of losing its charge or ability to function.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a flat battery"?

You can use alternatives like "a dead battery", "a discharged battery", or "a drained battery" depending on the context.

What causes "a flat battery" in a car?

A "flat battery" in a car can be caused by several factors, including leaving the lights on, a faulty alternator, or simply the battery reaching the end of its lifespan.

How do I prevent "a flat battery" in my electronic devices?

To prevent "a flat battery" in your electronic devices, avoid leaving them in extreme temperatures, use power-saving modes, and turn off features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when not in use.

Is there a difference between "a flat battery" and "a dead battery"?

While "a flat battery" and "a dead battery" are often used interchangeably, "a dead battery" might imply irreversible damage, whereas "a flat battery" suggests the battery can be recharged.