be powered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be powered by" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate the source of energy or support for a system, device, or process. Example: "The new electric car will be powered by renewable energy sources." Alternative expressions include "driven by" and "energized by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It could be "powered by QuickBooks".

The New York Times - Tech

The Yaphank plant would be powered by gas.

The New York Times

Its evolution will be powered by radically greater market transparency.

The Guardian

The machine for living would be powered by built-ins.

The New York Times

Today, biology is said to be powered by love.

The New York Times - Books

Computers must be powered by a generator or solar panels.

The New York Times

"All of that will be powered by software".

The New York Times

Hewlett's ProLiant server line will be powered by Advanced Micro's 64-bit Opteron processor.

The New York Times

Both aircraft types will be powered by engines made by Rolls-Royce of Britain.

The New York Times

Some of these cars are imagined as solar hybrids; some would be powered by hydrogen.

The New York Times

Cars earmarked for America would be powered by TVR's own straight-six engine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be powered by", ensure that the source of power is clearly and explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The device will be powered by solar energy" is more precise than "The device will be powered by renewable sources".

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms for the power source. Saying something will "be powered by technology" is less informative than specifying which technology, such as "be powered by AI algorithms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be powered by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the source of energy or the mechanism that enables something to operate or function. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be powered by" is a versatile and widely used expression for indicating the source of energy, influence, or operational capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the power source. Alternatives include "fueled by", "run on", and "driven by". However, these alternatives may carry slightly different connotations depending on the situation. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, writers can effectively communicate how systems, devices, or processes operate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fueled by

Similar to "be powered by", but emphasizes the fuel or driving force behind something.

energized by

Implies that something receives energy and becomes active due to a source.

run on

This alternative focuses on the energy source used to operate something.

driven by

Indicates that something is propelled or motivated by a specific factor.

rely on

Emphasizes dependence on a particular source for functionality.

operated by

Highlights the means through which something is made to function.

supplied with

Focuses on the provision of a resource needed for operation.

sustained by

Suggests ongoing support that allows something to continue functioning.

maintained by

Emphasizes the upkeep and support required for continuous operation.

work by means of

More formal, highlighting the method or mechanism of operation.

FAQs

How can I use "be powered by" in a sentence?

The phrase "be powered by" indicates the energy source or mechanism that drives something. For instance, "The car will be powered by electricity" or "The project will be powered by teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "be powered by"?

You can use phrases like "fueled by", "run on", or "driven by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be powered with" instead of "be powered by"?

While "with" might seem appropriate, "be powered by" is the standard and more grammatically correct phrasing. "With" generally indicates what something uses, whereas "by" indicates the source of power.

What's the difference between "be powered by" and "rely on"?

"Be powered by" specifically refers to the energy source or mechanism, while "rely on" indicates a general dependence. A device might "be powered by solar energy" but a company might "rely on" a specific supplier.