empowers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empowers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of giving someone the authority or power to do something, or when referring to enabling individuals or groups to take control of their circumstances. Example: "The new policy empowers employees to make decisions that affect their work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our new site offers a consistent, elegant, simple experience that better empowers our readers to discover and enjoy our award-winning journalism regardless of the device they use".

The Guardian

Grants local authorities the power to restrict anti-social public drinking in designated public places and empowers the police to confiscate alcohol in these zones.

The Guardian - Opinion

Empowers magistrates to remand children aged between 12 and 16 into custody when they are charged with offences such as theft and criminal damage.

The Guardian - Opinion

She also manages the bank's flagship programme, Goal, which engages and empowers adolescent girls through sport.

The Guardian

Federal law empowers private employers to do this, but the "Californian rule" of case law, which several other states have copied, means that once a public worker signs a contract his or her pension arrangements are guaranteed for life.The effort is led by Chuck Reed, mayor of San Jose, another Bay Area liberal bastion.

The Economist

Their job is to uphold a venerable text, which empowers them to overrule any other branch of government.

The Economist

Yet the same democratisation of innovation that empowers the new firms can be used to generate much greater innovation from within established companies.

The Economist

"It's a closed system of scorn and self-congratulation".The problem, as Mr Almond sees it, is that this easy, idle indulgence only empowers the conservative punditocracy.

The Economist

Often you have to do some digging to find out they are actually... sociologists.The years of graduate-school seminars and rigorous mathematical training empowers PhD economists to converse with each other in a language all our own.

The Economist

So he will face pressure to mend fences with the opposition, by repealing the constitutional amendment that strengthens the presidency and empowers him to fire service chiefs and dismiss governments.

The Economist

But this has only curbed the power of federal prosecutors, not state ones, and only somewhat.Another change that empowers prosecutors is the proliferation of incomprehensible new laws.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empowers" when you want to convey the idea of giving someone not just the ability, but also the authority or confidence to act. For example, "The training program empowers employees to take on leadership roles."

Common error

Avoid using "empowers" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler words like "helps" or "allows" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "empowers" is that of a transitive verb. It describes the action of giving power, authority, or ability to someone or something. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is used in third person singular present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "empowers" is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts to indicate the act of giving someone power, authority, or ability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news media and encyclopedic sources, showcasing its versatility. While it is suitable for neutral to formal registers, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Related phrases like "authorizes" and "enables" can provide nuanced alternatives. The word's high frequency and authoritative sources underscore its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Enables

Highlights making something possible or easier.

Authorizes

Focuses on granting official permission or legal right.

Strengthens

Highlights making something more robust or capable.

Equips

Emphasizes providing necessary resources or skills.

Entitles

Stresses giving a right or claim.

Permits

Implies allowing or giving consent for an action.

Licenses

Refers to granting formal authorization to perform a specific activity.

Delegates

Focuses on entrusting a task or responsibility to someone.

Invests in

Emphasizes providing resources with the expectation of future benefit or power.

Fuels

Implies providing the energy or impetus for something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "empowers" in a sentence?

You can use "empowers" to describe the act of giving someone authority or control, as in "The new law "empowers" citizens to monitor government activities".

What are some alternatives to "empowers"?

Alternatives to "empowers" include "authorizes", "enables", and "equips", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "empowers to" or "empowers to"?

Both are correct, but the best decision depends on the noun that you are using. If it is about an action, use "empowers to". If it is about nouns, use "empowers with".

What is the difference between "empowers" and "allows"?

"Allows" simply means to permit something, whereas "empowers" implies giving someone the ability, authority, or means to do something. For example, a license "allows" you to drive, but education "empowers" you to pursue your dreams.