a powerful force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful force" is a perfectly acceptable construct in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, thing, or idea that has a great amount of strength or influence. For example, "The union was a powerful force in the fight for workers' rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vanity is a powerful force.

The New Yorker

Liberty is a powerful force.

The Economist

Denial, he says, is a powerful force.

The New York Times

But globalisation is a powerful force.

The Economist

Citizen cartographers can be a powerful force.

The New York Times

That's a powerful force".

The Guardian - Sport

"He's a powerful force".

The New York Times - Sports

Grief is a powerful force.

The Washington Post

"Time is a powerful force.

The Washington Post

We can be a powerful force.

The Guardian

Sibling rivalry is a powerful force.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a powerful force", ensure the context clearly defines what that force is and why it is significant. Avoid vague or ambiguous references.

Common error

Be cautious of hyperbole. Not every influence warrants being described as "a powerful force". Reserve this phrase for situations where the impact is truly considerable and demonstrable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful force" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig's examples showcase it describing various entities, from abstract concepts like "globalization" to concrete entities like "Boeing."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful force" is a commonly used phrase that emphasizes the significant influence or impact of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid hyperbole. Consider alternatives like "a tremendous force" or "a compelling force" to fine-tune your message. The frequency of use is very common as highlighted by the high examples count, making it important to use this phrase accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong force

Uses a more common and direct synonym for "powerful".

a tremendous force

Uses "tremendous" instead of "powerful" to emphasize the magnitude of the force.

a mighty force

Emphasizes the great power and impressiveness of the force.

a formidable force

Suggests the force is capable of inspiring fear or respect due to its strength.

a decisive force

Focuses on the impact of the force in determining an outcome.

a compelling force

Highlights the irresistible nature or influence of the force.

a deep force

Emphasizes the profound or underlying nature of the force.

a substantial force

Indicates the significant amount or degree of the force.

a robust force

Suggests the force is healthy, vigorous, and resilient.

a devastating force

Highlights the potential for destruction or harm caused by the force.

FAQs

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

You can use "a powerful force" to describe anything that exerts significant influence. For example: "Technology is "a powerful force" in modern society."

What are some alternatives to "a powerful force"?

Some alternatives include "a tremendous force", "a compelling force", or "a mighty force", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strong force" or "powerful force"?

Both "strong force" and "powerful force" are acceptable. "Powerful" often implies a greater degree of influence or impact than "strong".

What does it mean when something is described as "a powerful force for change"?

It means that thing has a significant ability to cause transformation or progress. For example, "Social media is "a powerful force" for change in political discourse."