are powerless to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are powerless to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of ability or control over a situation or action. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team realized they are powerless to change the outcome of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Police are powerless to control the flow.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even MPs are powerless to prevent such powers being enacted.

The Guardian

However, this doesn't mean that parents are powerless to help.

The Guardian

"Too many senior Tories think they are powerless to act.

The Guardian - Tech

Government officials admit they are powerless to stop him.

The New York Times

Defense lawyers are powerless to do much except argue for a lesser sentence.

The New York Times

Most investors believe they are powerless to do anything, yet that is not the case.

The New York Times

But the liberals are powerless to stop the invasion taking shape in Crimea.

The New Yorker

International institutions, lacking independent authority, are powerless to shape state behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Domestic demand is flat, yet policymakers are powerless to ease monetary or fiscal policy.

The Economist

But under federal commerce regulations, they are powerless to stop it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "are powerless to" with stronger verbs like "cannot", "must not", "should not" to assign liability and responsibility. When liability is not the subject, the passive form could be more fitting.

Common error

Avoid using "are powerless to" when there are still potential, even if limited, actions that can be taken. Consider alternatives like "have limited influence over" or "face significant challenges in" to reflect a more nuanced situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are powerless to" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase combined with an infinitive. It attributes a state of lacking power or ability to a subject, as validated by Ludwig. Examples from Ludwig show it's used to describe entities unable to influence events or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are powerless to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a lack of ability or control. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase coupled with an infinitive, often appearing in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "unable to" or "incapable of" exist, "are powerless to" offers a nuanced way to emphasize a state of limited agency. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject's limitations are clearly defined, avoiding overstatements and maintaining clarity in your writing. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating the correct usage of this phrase in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack the power to

Emphasizes the absence of authority or strength to act.

unable to

A more general term for not being able to do something.

incapable of

Highlights a fundamental inability or lack of capacity.

have no control over

Focuses on the absence of command or management of a situation.

cannot influence

Stresses the inability to affect or change something.

are at the mercy of

Indicates a position of vulnerability and dependence on external forces.

are helpless against

Emphasizes vulnerability and lack of defense against something.

find themselves unable to

Highlights the discovery of one's inability to act, often unexpectedly.

are without the means to

Focuses on lacking the resources or tools necessary to achieve something.

are in no position to

Suggests a lack of authority or suitability to take action.

FAQs

How can I use "are powerless to" in a sentence?

Use "are powerless to" to describe a situation where someone or something lacks the ability or authority to take action. For example, "The city council "are powerless to" stop the development due to existing regulations."

What phrases can I use instead of "are powerless to"?

Alternatives include "unable to", "incapable of", or "lack the power to". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "are powerless to" or "cannot"?

"Are powerless to" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "cannot", suggesting a lack of authority or capability in a specific situation. "Cannot" is a more direct statement of inability.

What's the difference between "are powerless to" and "are unwilling to"?

"Are powerless to" means someone lacks the ability or authority to do something. "Are unwilling to" means someone has the ability but chooses not to act. For example, "The government "are powerless to" intervene due to international law," versus "The government "are unwilling to" intervene due to political considerations."