is not powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not powerful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that lacks strength, influence, or effectiveness in various contexts. Example: "The argument presented in the debate is not powerful enough to convince the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Infra-red is not powerful enough to do this.

The Economist

It's that the press is not powerful enough.

The Guardian

One objection is that carbon pricing is not powerful enough.

The Washington Post

But it is not powerful enough "to control a nominating convention or actually to dictate nominations.

The New Yorker

The Wii, unlike the PS3 and Xbox, is not powerful enough to display high-definition streaming video.

The New York Times - Tech

He makes me laugh by trying to interest me in her psyche: "The Trunch is not powerful.

The Guardian

Visible light, for instance, is not powerful enough to shine through dense clouds of dust – seemingly impenetrable curtains for objects behind them.

Stanford University

If the jet is not powerful enough to penetrate the surrounding gas, the jet becomes narrow or collimated, a shape prone to kinking and breaking.

University of California, Berkeley

As a result, a proxy server can sometimes be slow when honoring requests, especially if the machine is not powerful enough.

Hack Proofing Linux The Only Way to Stop a Hacker Is to Think Like One

A small minority on the central bank's governing council opposes the bond intervention but is not powerful enough to stop it, analysts say.

The New York Times

Navy officials acknowledge that the first prototype weapon to be deployed is not powerful enough to take on jet fighters or missiles on their approach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not powerful", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of power is lacking – physical, political, economic, etc.

Common error

Avoid using hyperbolic language when describing something that "is not powerful". Accurate and measured descriptions are more effective than exaggerated claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not powerful" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject by indicating a lack of power or strength. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not powerful" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a lack of strength, influence, or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies what type of power is being discussed. Alternatives like "is not strong enough" or "lacks sufficient strength" can be used for nuanced expression. When using this phrase, it's best to avoid exaggeration and provide clear context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not strong enough

A simpler, more direct synonym using "strong" instead of "powerful".

lacks sufficient strength

Replaces "is not powerful" with a more formal and direct expression of lacking strength.

is insufficiently potent

Uses "potent" instead of "powerful", adding a slightly more technical or scientific tone.

is weak

A very direct and simple synonym, focusing solely on the lack of strength.

does not possess enough force

Breaks down "powerful" into "enough force" for a more descriptive approach.

is unable to exert influence

Focuses on the inability to influence, highlighting a specific aspect of power.

cannot deliver sufficient impact

Emphasizes the lack of impact, showing that the power is insufficient to make a difference.

falls short of being effective

Shifts the focus to effectiveness rather than raw power, implying a failure to achieve the desired outcome.

is deficient in might

Uses a more literary and less common word, "might", for "power".

is limited in capacity

Highlights the limitations in capability, implying a restricted power.

FAQs

How can I use "is not powerful" in a sentence?

You can use "is not powerful" to describe something lacking strength or influence. For example, "The argument presented "is not powerful enough" to change their minds".

What are some alternatives to "is not powerful"?

Some alternatives include "is not strong enough", "lacks sufficient strength", or "is weak".

What does it mean when something "is not powerful"?

It means that something lacks the ability to exert influence, control, or force effectively. It suggests a deficiency in strength or capability.

Is "is not powerful" formal or informal?

"Is not powerful" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the specific situation dictates the suitability. Consider alternatives if a more forceful or precise term is needed.