external power

USAGE SUMMARY

'external power' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a source of energy or influence that is external to the person or thing under consideration. For example, "The Company has been hampered by external power that opposes their plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No batteries or external power sources are required.

The New York Times - Tech

An external power console can be used as backup.

The New York Times - Science

Zankel Hall should be a place where artists feel empowered without an external power source.

The New York Times

Chrysler said that installing an external power steering cooler would straighten things out.

The New York Times

In the event that this external power fails, a backup system kicks in.

The New Yorker

Mr. Herriott said toys that had external power adapters could also be affected.

The New York Times

The Charter of the Forest demanded protection of the commons from external power.

The Guardian - Opinion

It comes with an external power supply that can be replaced without opening the machine.

The New York Times - Tech

The system, which can produce electricity from sunlight, needs external power to operate.

The New York Times

• Fully functional at any time with only a pair of eyeglasses and no external power source.

The New York Times

Electricity comes from three rechargeable batteries that plug into an external power source.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications, clarify whether a device requires an "external power" source or can operate independently, as this detail is crucial for user understanding and application.

Common error

Avoid using "external power" when you specifically mean the power adapter or charging brick. "External power" refers to the concept of needing power from an outside source, while the adapter is the physical device that provides that power.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "external power" is as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows examples where it refers to the need for or reliance on a power source separate from the device or system itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Tech

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "external power" is a common noun phrase used to describe the need for a separate energy source to operate a device or system. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used in news, science, and technical contexts. It is grammatically correct and, according to Ludwig AI, fully acceptable in written English. Related phrases include "outside energy source" and "remote power supply". When writing about devices, it's important to clarify whether they require "external power" versus operating independently. The key is to distinguish "external power" (the concept) from the power adapter itself (the physical device).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside energy source

Replaces "power" with "energy source" to emphasize the origin of the energy.

external energy supply

Substitutes "power" with "energy supply", highlighting the provision of energy from an external point.

remote power supply

Indicates that the power supply is not directly connected or integrated.

off-site power source

Specifies that the power generation occurs away from the location of use.

auxiliary power

Highlights a secondary or backup power source.

independent power source

Emphasizes the autonomy of the power source from the main system.

third-party power

Frames the power source as coming from an external entity or provider.

outward energy

Focuses on the directionality of the energy flow, coming from outside.

secondary power feed

Highlights an additional power input in case the primary feed fails.

non-integrated power

Highlights that the source of the power is not part of the original design or entity.

FAQs

How to use "external power" in a sentence?

You can use "external power" to describe a device or system that relies on a power source that is not built-in. For example, "This device requires an "external power" supply to operate".

What's the difference between "external power" and a battery?

"External power" refers to a source of electricity outside of the main device or system, while a battery is an internal power source. A device needing "external power supply" cannot function without being connected to an outside electrical source. Devices with batteries can operate independently until the battery is depleted.

Which devices typically require "external power"?

Many electronic devices, such as desktop computers, some monitors, and certain audio equipment, typically require "external power" to function. These devices do not have internal batteries and need a continuous connection to a power outlet.

What are some alternatives to saying "external power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "mains power", "grid power", or "external power supply" to convey the same meaning.