intellectual power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the capacity for critical thinking, reasoning, and understanding in an academic or cognitive context. Example: "The professor emphasized the importance of developing one's intellectual power to tackle complex problems in the field of science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result of this "stunning work of self-education" was the "intellectual power" revealed in Lincoln's writings and speeches.

The New York Times - Books

The head is an idealized portrait with intellectual power and Roman nobility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His intellectual power in that area was obvious to the person across the table".

The New Yorker

Has the Russian intelligentsia lost its social force or its intellectual power?

The Economist

"It takes much longer to replace the intellectual power that went down in this".

The New York Times

Samuel Taylor Coleridge once defined him as "intellectual power deserted by all grace, all moral principle".

The New Yorker

Sontag had a gift for cultivating men of influence and intellectual power.

The Guardian

Mr. Landsbergis -- plump, bearded, an intellectual power in Lithuania's Parliament -- insists that they must never forget.

The New York Times

Little has been left untouched by his intellectual power and insight.

The Guardian

They are both of them skeptics, doubters, when it comes to male intellectual power.

The New Yorker

contempt for my lack of intellectual power; reading Wells without understanding. . . .

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "intellectual power" to convey a sense of profound understanding and influence, rather than simply intelligence. This implies a capacity to not only learn but also to shape ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual power" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's better suited for academic, professional, or formal contexts where you need to emphasize significant cognitive abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to denote the capacity for reasoning, understanding, and critical thinking, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is suitable for formal and professional settings to convey a significant capacity for critical thinking, reasoning, and influencing ideas. While alternatives like "cognitive capacity" or "brainpower" might fit informal contexts, "intellectual power" maintains a neutral to formal tone. It's important to note that Ludwig indicates that the term should be used when emphasizing not just intelligence, but the potential to shape and influence ideas, avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual capacity

Refers to the potential for learning and understanding.

brainpower

Emphasizes raw intellectual ability and potential.

intellectual prowess

Emphasizes skill and expertise in intellectual pursuits.

cognitive capacity

Focuses on the brain's ability to process information and learn.

thinking ability

A more general term for the capability to engage in thought processes.

mental acuity

Highlights sharpness and quickness of thought.

cognitive strength

Highlights the resilience and robustness of mental function.

reasoning ability

Stresses the capability for logical thought and inference.

mental fortitude

Focuses on the strength and resilience of one's mental faculties.

intellectual influence

Highlights the ability to affect others through one's ideas and knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "intellectual power" to describe someone's capacity for critical thinking and reasoning. For example: "Her "intellectual power" was evident in her insightful analysis of complex social issues."

What are some alternatives to "intellectual power"?

Alternatives include "cognitive capacity", "mental acuity", or "brainpower", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intellectual power" a formal or informal term?

"Intellectual power" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Using "brainpower" might be better for more informal settings.

What's the difference between "intellectual power" and "intelligence"?

"Intelligence" is a general term for cognitive ability, while "intellectual power" suggests a more profound and influential capacity for critical thinking and reasoning. "Intellectual power" implies not just knowledge, but the ability to shape ideas and influence others.