is powerless to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is powerless to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of ability or capacity to do something. Example: "Despite her best efforts, she is powerless to change the outcome of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is why the West is powerless to influence the outcome in Chechnya.

Forbes

"The picture itself is powerless to show".

The New Yorker

GM is powerless to help it.

The Economist

The Great Commission is powerless to decide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mau is powerless to correct these distortions.

The New York Times - Arts

Polling math is powerless to predict this outcome.

The New Yorker

Jones is powerless to change the rhythm of the fight.

The Guardian - Sport

The Electoral Commission is powerless to police foreign interference.

The Guardian - Opinion

The United Nations is powerless to compel cooperation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Hague is powerless to do more without aircraft carriers.

The Guardian

Whatever his destination, he is powerless to affect it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is powerless to" to clearly and directly express a lack of ability or influence, especially when describing limitations imposed by external forces or circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "is powerless to" when describing situations where influence is merely limited, rather than completely absent. Overstating the degree of powerlessness can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is powerless to" functions as a verbal phrase expressing an inability or lack of capacity to perform a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a clear way to state limitations. For example, "The referee "is powerless to" control what's going on."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is powerless to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of ability or influence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and frequent usage. As evidenced by numerous examples, it appears frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement when influence is merely limited rather than entirely absent. Consider alternatives like "is unable to" or "cannot" for nuanced expression. Remember, using "is powerless to" effectively strengthens your writing by clearly conveying limitations and constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to

Replaces "powerless" with "unable", focusing on the lack of capability.

is incapable of

Emphasizes a fundamental lack of capacity or ability.

cannot

A simpler, more direct way to express inability.

lacks the ability to

Highlights the absence of a specific skill or capacity.

has no control over

Focuses on the absence of control over a situation or outcome.

is helpless to

Emphasizes a feeling of being unable to assist or change something.

is at the mercy of

Indicates a situation where one is controlled by external forces.

is ineffective at

Focuses on the lack of desired outcome or impact.

is defenseless against

Highlights vulnerability and lack of protection.

is impotent to

Emphasizes a lack of strength or power to act effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "is powerless to" in a sentence?

You can use "is powerless to" to describe a situation where someone or something lacks the ability to influence or change a particular outcome. For example, "The West "is powerless to" influence the outcome in Chechnya."

What are some alternatives to "is powerless to"?

Alternatives include "is unable to", "is incapable of", or "cannot", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is powerless to"?

It is appropriate to use "is powerless to" when you want to emphasize a complete lack of ability or control over a situation, often due to external constraints or limitations.

Is there a difference between "is powerless to" and "has limited power to"?

"Is powerless to" indicates a complete lack of ability, while "has limited power to" suggests some capacity for influence, though not fully effective. Understanding the nuance between these phrases is crucial for accurate communication.