a powerful device

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful device" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a device that has significant strength, capability, or impact, often in a technological or metaphorical context. Example: "The new smartphone is not just a communication tool; it's a powerful device that can handle complex tasks with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

A small scale volumetric Wankel expander is a powerful device for small-scale power generation in compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems and Organic Rankine cycles powered by different heat sources such as, biomass, low temperature geothermal, solar and waste heat leading to significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Energy Conversion and Management

It is a powerful device.

The New York Times

Finding particles that tiny would require a powerful device able to sift needles in any haystack.

Harvard University

A powerful device of political leadership, Reagan's rhetorical technique threatens to spoil us as a people.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I do think irony is a powerful device for de-activating reality," one of Vila-Matas's narrators says.

The New Yorker

Two weeks later, a bomber detonated a powerful device in Imam Sahib, killing 30 people, most of them civilians.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Therefore, the need for a more powerful device with a better processing speed becomes inevitable.

Procedia Engineering

But as Teller's Manhattan Project colleagues, led by physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, were trying to build a fission bomb, Teller worked on a much more powerful device powered by nuclear fusion.

Science Magazine

If you're intent on preserving a lithium-ion battery beyond the lifetime of the typical phone or tablet, Mr. Zeine suggested using a charger meant for a less powerful device, though he couldn't guarantee that it would work.

The New York Times - Tech

"We consider that today's slot machine is a very powerful device meant to addict people," said Stephen Shafer, a neurologist and chairman of the Coalition Against Gambling in New York.

The New York Times

She added that the firm appeared to have focused on a specific part of the market which wanted a more powerful device than the iPad.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technology or abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly indicates the specific "power" you're attributing to the "device". This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful device" as a generic compliment. Always specify how the device is powerful and what specific capabilities it offers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful device" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "powerful" is an adjective modifying the noun "device". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a powerful device" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something with significant strength or capability. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across various contexts, from technology to abstract concepts. While frequently used in News & Media and Science, it's important to specify the how and what of the device's power to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a potent tool" or "an effective mechanism" can provide nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potent tool

Replaces "device" with "tool", implying a means to achieve a particular purpose.

an effective mechanism

Substitutes "device" with "mechanism", suggesting a system or process designed for a specific function.

a robust instrument

Replaces "device" with "instrument", highlighting precision and reliability.

a formidable apparatus

Uses "apparatus" instead of "device", conveying a sense of complexity and scale.

a compelling asset

Replaces "device" with "asset", focusing on the value and advantage it provides.

a significant tool

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the tool.

a strong instrument

Highlights the robustness and dependability of the instrument.

a capable system

Focuses on the ability of the system to perform effectively.

a valuable asset

Emphasizes the worth and usefulness of the asset.

an influential mechanism

Stresses the mechanism's ability to affect outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "a powerful device" in a sentence?

Use "a powerful device" to describe something with significant capability or impact. For example, "The new laptop is "a powerful device" that can handle demanding tasks efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "a powerful device"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a potent tool", "an effective mechanism", or "a robust instrument".

What makes a device "powerful"?

Power in a device can refer to its processing capabilities, its impact on a process, or its influence in a given situation. Be specific about what kind of power you mean to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe abstract concepts as "a powerful device"?

Yes, you can use "a powerful device" metaphorically to describe abstract concepts or methods. For example, "Irony is "a powerful device" for de-activating reality".