has power to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has power to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the ability or authority to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The committee has power to make decisions regarding the budget for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They show how music has power to change the world".

The New York Times

The court has power to unseal court records.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if Suzuki has power to spare, why has it not shown up yet?

The New York Times - Sports

It is the only body which has power to get "deduction orders" from people's bank accounts.

Independent

It also has power to escalate issues of concern to ministers and accounting officers.

The Guardian

The Channel Islands are crown dependencies, and the UK parliament has power to legislate for them.

The Guardian - Business

"It still has power to save and heal and set free and deliver," he yelled.

The New Yorker

The government has power to dissolve regional councils that have acted contrary to the constitution or have violated the law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She still has power to spare, along with a sound that is at once instantly recognizable and technically inimitable.

The New York Times - Arts

That leaves Perry, who has power to issue a 30-day reprieve but who has very rarely done so.

The Guardian

But because the building is inside the TriBeCa East Historic District, the landmarks commission has power to block its demolition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has power to" when you want to emphasize the authority or capacity to perform a specific action or make a particular decision. It's particularly useful in formal contexts where clear delegation of power is important.

Common error

Avoid using "has power to" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can" or "is able to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has power to" functions as a verb phrase that indicates capability, authority, or permission to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness. It is widely used to express that someone or something is empowered or entitled to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has power to" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to indicate authority, capability, or permission. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts. While highly versatile, its use is more appropriate in formal settings. Alternatives such as "is authorized to" or "is able to" can provide similar meaning with subtle variations in tone. Awareness of context ensures effective communication, avoiding overly formal or informal use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is empowered to

Implies that someone has been given the authority or means to do something.

is authorized to

Indicates formal permission or sanction to perform an action; more formal.

wields the authority to

Emphasizes the active use of official power or control.

is permitted to

Highlights that an action is allowed, usually by a set of rules or regulations.

has the right to

Emphasizes a moral or legal claim to perform an action.

is entitled to

Suggests a legal or moral right to do something.

is capable of

Focuses on the inherent ability or potential to do something.

is in a position to

Highlights the circumstances or situation that allows someone to do something.

is able to

Similar to "can" but slightly more formal.

can

Is a more concise and informal alternative expressing ability or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "has power to" in a sentence?

Use "has power to" to indicate that someone or something possesses the authority or capability to perform a specific action. For example, "The board "has power to" approve the budget".

What are some alternatives to "has power to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is authorized to", "is able to", or "is permitted to" as alternatives to "has power to".

Is "has power to" formal or informal?

"Has power to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "can" or "is able to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "has power to" and "has the ability to"?

"Has power to" often implies a formal or granted authority, whereas "has the ability to" focuses more on inherent capability or skill. While similar, "has power to" suggests a more official or structured capacity than "has the ability to".