be more powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be more powerful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something has the potential or capacity to achieve more. For example, "If you believe in yourself, you can be more powerful than you ever imagined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Success may be more powerful.

The New York Times

What could be more powerful than that?

The Guardian

We think less art can be more powerful".

The New York Times - Arts

"The military will be more powerful than civilians," he said.

The New Yorker

They would be more powerful if co-ordinated.

The Economist

And, in fact, studios may be more powerful than ever.

The New York Times

Our journalism will always be more powerful than any advertising".

The Guardian

But eating addiction appears to be more powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can silence sometimes be more powerful than speech?

The New York Times

"Words can be more powerful than weapons," Mr. Sorensen said, because they "solve things".

The New York Times

His sometimes sinister secret police may already be more powerful than Rwanda's elected representatives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing power dynamics, use "be more powerful" to clearly indicate a shift in authority or influence. For example, "With the new software update, your computer will "be more powerful" than before."

Common error

Avoid using "be more powerful" when referring to simple improvements that don't significantly alter capacity or influence. For instance, instead of saying "Adding salt made the soup "be more powerful"," use a more appropriate descriptor like "flavorful."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more powerful" functions as a comparative expression, indicating a relative increase in strength, influence, or capability. As supported by Ludwig, it suggests a potential for greater achievement. Examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more powerful" is a versatile comparative expression used to convey an increase in strength, influence, or capability. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While "be more powerful" is most commonly found in news and media and scientific publications, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, avoid overusing it in situations where simple improvements do not significantly alter capacity. Alternatives such as "gain more influence" or "grow stronger" can provide more nuanced meanings based on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become more influential

Stresses increasing the level of influence.

achieve more dominance

Emphasizes attaining a dominant position, signifying greater power in a competitive context.

acquire greater control

Highlights obtaining more control, indicating increased power over situations or resources.

exert greater authority

Stresses the exercise of authority, a key aspect of power.

amplify influence

Highlights increasing sphere of influence or impact.

gain more influence

Focuses on increasing influence, a specific type of power.

enhance capabilities

Focuses on improving abilities that contribute to overall power.

become more effective

Highlights increased effectiveness, implying enhanced power in achieving results.

grow stronger

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical strengthening as a form of gaining power.

increase in strength

Implies a growth in overall ability to act.

FAQs

How can I use "be more powerful" in a sentence?

You can use "be more powerful" to describe an increase in strength, influence, or capability. For example, "Investing in education can help you "become more influential" and "be more powerful" in your career."

What are some alternatives to "be more powerful"?

Alternatives to "be more powerful" include "gain more influence", "become more effective", or "grow stronger", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more power" instead of "be more powerful"?

While "more power" can sometimes replace "be more powerful", it lacks the comparative aspect. "Be more powerful" directly suggests a comparison or increase in power, whereas "more power" simply indicates a greater quantity of power. You could also consider "exert greater authority".

What's the difference between "be more powerful" and "have more power"?

"Be more powerful" implies a change or increase in one's capacity or influence, while "have more power" simply states possession of a greater amount of power. The first phrase emphasizes the process of becoming, whereas the second focuses on the state of possessing. It could be replaced by "acquire greater control".