hidden power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unseen or unrecognized strength or influence that someone or something possesses. Example: "The hidden power of teamwork can often lead to extraordinary results that individuals alone cannot achieve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The "Inside Out" faces, by contrast, were unknown, and in their anonymity they implied a hidden power.

The New Yorker

We see hidden power.

Huffington Post

The former is a "radar view", which "applies a warped, colorful filter over the screen, revealing hidden power ups".

Wikipedia

In my experience, when the architecture of a proposed museum is noticeably out of step with the collection it is meant to hold, it's usually a sign of larger, hidden power struggles or a tangled sense of mission.

Los Angeles Times

"Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides".

BMC Family Practice

10 1 HIDDEN POWER, by Kati Marton.

The New York Times - Books

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character.

The New York Times - Books

(See, especially, Letter from Washington, "The Hidden Power," July 3, 2006).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Like the first Mega Man X, players can locate and acquire numerous hidden power-ups.

Wikipedia

The Sega Saturn version includes two hidden power-up weapons: doubled machine guns and Maverick missiles.

Wikipedia

Despite having little power to shape the formal organizational structure or environmental conditions of their work place, providers were thus able to exercise considerable influence over service quality and responsiveness via work norms that constituted a source of 'hidden' power.

Health Policy and Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, "hidden power" can add intrigue by suggesting a character or object possesses more than meets the eye.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden power" when the power is simply unknown, but easily discoverable. "Hidden power" implies a deliberate concealment or a non-obvious source of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden power" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hidden" modifies the noun "power". Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The adjective "hidden" adds a layer of meaning, suggesting that the power is not immediately visible or obvious.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hidden power" is a valid and usable English phrase that describes an unseen or unrecognized strength or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and its purpose is to highlight underlying dynamics. While its register is neutral, it appears more frequently in News & Media contexts. To avoid misinterpretations, remember that "hidden power" implies a deliberate concealment or a non-obvious source of influence, and consider using alternatives like "latent strength" or "concealed influence" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

latent strength

Focuses on the potential for strength that is not yet visible or active.

concealed influence

Emphasizes the covert nature of the influence exerted.

underlying force

Highlights the fundamental nature of the power, suggesting it's a root cause.

secret authority

Implies a clandestine right or ability to control or command.

untapped potential

Focuses on the unrealized capacity for power or ability.

covert control

Highlights that control is being exerted in secret.

veiled dominance

Suggests that a state of dominance is disguised or not easily perceived.

unseen influence

Focuses on the invisible or unperceived nature of the influence.

dormant capability

Emphasizes the inactive state of the ability, awaiting activation.

intrinsic capacity

Highlights the inherent and natural ability or power.

FAQs

How can I use "hidden power" in a sentence?

You can use "hidden power" to describe an unseen or unrecognized strength or influence that someone or something possesses. For example: "The "hidden power" of teamwork can often lead to extraordinary results that individuals alone cannot achieve."

What can I say instead of "hidden power"?

You can use alternatives like "latent strength", "concealed influence", or "underlying force" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "hidden power" and "untapped potential"?

"Hidden power" suggests a force actively concealed or not easily perceived, while "untapped potential" refers to a capacity that is simply not yet developed or utilized.

Is "hidden power" the same as "covert control"?

While related, "covert control" specifically refers to the secret act of controlling something, whereas "hidden power" is a more general term for any concealed strength or influence.