a powerful thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, concept, or idea that has significant strength, influence, or impact. Example: "Education is a powerful thing that can change lives and shape futures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, there's power in looking like a powerful thing.

Vice

That's a powerful thing".

The New York Times

Caffeine addiction is a powerful thing.

The New York Times

Advertising is a powerful thing.

The Guardian

"Water is a powerful thing".

The New York Times

Creativity is a powerful thing.

The Guardian

Denial is a powerful thing.

The New York Times

Buyer's denial can be a powerful thing.

The New York Times

But naming is a powerful thing.

The New York Times - Style

Confirmation bias is a powerful thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a powerful thing that demands attention.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a powerful thing", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the thing is and why it is considered powerful. Provide specific examples or details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful thing" as a cliché. Instead of simply stating that something is powerful, explain the specific impact, influence, or effect it has. Provide evidence or examples to support your claim and make your writing more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object complement within a sentence. It emphasizes the significant influence or impact of the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the significance, influence, or impact of a particular subject. As supported by Ludwig, its wide usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, highlights its adaptability. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to provide specific context to substantiate the claim of power, avoiding overuse as a cliché. Alternatives such as "a significant force" or "a major influence" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant force

Emphasizes the impact and influence, similar to "a powerful thing", but focuses on the idea of force or influence.

a major influence

Highlights the capacity to affect someone or something, focusing on the act of influencing.

a potent factor

Highlights effectiveness; "potent" implies a strong and effective influence.

an influential element

Focuses on the capacity to have an effect on character, development, or behavior.

a driving force

Emphasizes the idea of propelling or motivating action, suggesting a strong influence.

a considerable asset

Shifts the focus to value and benefit, implying a significant advantage.

a decisive factor

Emphasizes the importance of the factor to make a decision.

a critical component

Highlights the necessity and importance of the element in a larger system.

an important aspect

Underscores the relevance and significance of a particular feature or detail.

a game changer

A more modern expression signifying something that drastically alters the current situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a powerful thing" to describe something with significant influence or impact. For instance, "Education is "a powerful thing" that can change lives." Always provide context to clarify the source and nature of its power.

What are some alternatives to "a powerful thing"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a significant force", "a major influence", or "a potent factor". Choose the phrase that best conveys the specific nuance you intend.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a powerful thing"?

Yes, "a powerful thing" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both spoken and written language.

What makes "a powerful thing" different from "a strong thing"?

"Powerful" suggests influence, impact, or the ability to effect change, whereas "strong" primarily implies physical strength or resilience. While sometimes interchangeable, "powerful" often conveys a sense of broader influence than "strong".