be powered by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be powered by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is operated or driven by a specific source of energy or technology. Example: "The new electric car will be powered by a state-of-the-art battery system that enhances its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The battery is three-times more powerful than its closest competitor, and will be powered by a nearby wind-farm run by French energy company Neoen.

Vice

Computers must be powered by a generator or solar panels.

The New York Times

One version will be powered by a two-mode gasoline-electric hybrid engine.

The New York Times

This new submarine was to carry 100 men and be powered by a steam engine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The high-performance S3 version will be powered by a nearly 300-horsepower gasoline engine.

The New York Times

The complete SPR sensor system can be powered by a 12V battery.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Mr. Sullivan said the device would be powered by a small battery that would be recharged by body motion.

The New York Times - Tech

The scooter is made of cast aluminum and carbon fiber and will be powered by a fuel-cell battery.

The New York Times

Fusion produces no long-lived radioactivity, and it can be powered by a form of hydrogen found in sea water.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The boards will be powered by an Atmel SAM3s ARM CPU.

TechCrunch

It is powered by a large, powerful superconducting magnet.

Proceedings of the Twentieth International Cryogenic Engineering Conference (ICEC20)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be powered by a", ensure that the noun following "a" clearly identifies the energy source or mechanism that provides power. For example, "The device will be powered by a solar panel" is more precise than "The device will be powered by a renewable source."

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms after "be powered by a". Instead of saying "The system will be powered by a new technology", specify the technology, such as "The system will be powered by a quantum computing processor."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be powered by a" functions as a passive construction, indicating the source of power or energy that enables something to operate or function. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates the means by which an object or system receives its power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be powered by a" serves as a versatile tool to describe the energy source or mechanism that drives an object or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its prevalence across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia, underscores its broad applicability. Whether describing a car "be powered by a" hybrid engine or a device "be powered by a" solar panel, this phrase provides clarity and context regarding how something operates. When writing, ensure that the noun following "a" clearly identifies the power source to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be driven by a

Focuses on the driving force or motivation behind something, rather than just the energy source.

be fueled by a

Emphasizes the substance that provides energy, often literal fuel.

be run by a

Indicates operational control or management, not necessarily energy supply.

be operated by a

Highlights the means of control and function, rather than just the power source.

be energized by a

Focuses on the invigorating aspect of the power source.

rely on a power source of

Specifies the reliance on a specific energy supply for functionality.

draw power from a

Highlights the action of obtaining energy from a particular source.

depend on a source of energy like

Emphasizes dependency on a specific energy source.

gain impetus from a

Describes the provision of momentum or driving force from a particular agent or source.

be sustained by a

Focuses on the maintaining or supporting aspect of the energy source.

FAQs

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

Use "be powered by a" to describe what provides energy or force to operate something, as in, "The car will "be powered by a" hybrid engine".

What are some alternatives to "be powered by a"?

Consider alternatives like "be driven by a", "be fueled by a", or "be run by a", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "be powered by a battery" or "be powered by battery"?

"Be powered by a battery" is correct. The article "a" is necessary because "battery" is a countable noun. Saying "be powered by battery" omits the article and sounds awkward.

What's the difference between "be powered by a" and "use"?

"Be powered by a" describes the energy source or system that makes something work, while "use" describes the action of employing something for a purpose. For example, "The lamp is powered by electricity" versus "I use the lamp to read".