knowledge is power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knowledge is power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize the importance of knowledge. For example: "Their teachers always told them that knowledge is power, and it served them well when they went to college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

No. Knowledge is power!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As always, knowledge is power.

Independent

It means "knowledge is power".

The New Yorker

And knowledge is power.

The Guardian - Tech

Ultimately, knowledge is power.

The Guardian

As they say, knowledge is power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Self-knowledge is power for good.

Huffington Post

I do believe that knowledge is power.

Huffington Post

Knowledge is power.

The New York Times

"Knowledge is power, O.K.?" Cox said gently.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Knowledge is power," Maher said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knowledge is power" to succinctly emphasize the importance of being informed and educated in a given situation. It adds weight to your argument.

Common error

While "knowledge is power" is a valid statement, overuse can make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider rephrasing or providing specific examples to illustrate the power of knowledge in your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowledge is power" functions as a concise proverb or aphorism. It encapsulates the idea that having knowledge provides one with the ability to influence, control, and achieve desired outcomes. Ludwig AI also confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knowledge is power" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound proverb. It emphasizes the empowering nature of information and understanding. With a neutral register, it's suitable for diverse contexts, and its frequent appearance in news, media, and wiki sources, as highlighted by Ludwig examples, underscores its continued relevance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Although a valid statement, avoid overuse as it can make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider using the related phrases, such as "information is empowering" to enhance specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information is empowering

Focuses on the empowering effect of information rather than knowledge itself.

understanding brings strength

Emphasizes understanding as the source of strength instead of knowledge being the source of power.

with knowledge comes control

Highlights the control aspect that knowledge provides, shifting the focus from power to control.

education equals influence

Equates education with influence, implying a broader scope than just power.

insight creates authority

Suggests that insight leads to authority, where insight is deeper than just knowledge.

awareness leads to advantage

Focuses on the advantage gained through awareness, a more specific outcome of knowledge.

competence builds leverage

Shifts the focus to competence derived from knowledge, leading to leverage.

erudition fosters impact

Highlights the impact erudition (deep knowledge) can have.

intelligence breeds dominance

Portrays intelligence as the origin of dominance.

wisdom yields command

Positions wisdom as the producer of command.

FAQs

How can I use "knowledge is power" in a sentence?

You can use "knowledge is power" to emphasize the importance of being informed and educated. For example, "In this negotiation, remember that "knowledge is power", so research your opponent's position thoroughly."

What are some alternatives to "knowledge is power"?

Alternatives include "information is empowering", "understanding brings strength", or "with knowledge comes control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "knowledge is power"?

While generally appropriate, consider your audience and context. In highly formal or academic settings, a more nuanced or specific phrasing might be preferable to avoid sounding cliché. Otherwise, in News & Media it is widely accepted.

What is the origin of the saying "knowledge is power"?

The saying "knowledge is power" is often attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, though the idea has roots in earlier philosophical thought. The Latin equivalent is "scientia potentia est".