little power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of influence, strength, or energy in various contexts. Example: "Despite having little power in the organization, she managed to make a significant impact on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Curie is very powerful, but uses very little power.

Huffington Post

The mayor has little power.

The Economist

Individuals have very little power.

The New York Times

So little power!

The Guardian

Johnny Steroid on his little power trip.

The New Yorker

Admittedly, the presidency comes with little power.

The Economist

"Abbas has very little power.

The New York Times

Then he showed him a little power.

The New York Times - Sports

By comparison, the president has little power.

The Guardian

"He really has very little power.

The New York Times

His playing may lack a little power.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the distribution of authority within an organization, use "little power" to accurately convey that certain individuals or departments have minimal decision-making capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "little power" when "no power" or "complete lack of authority" is more accurate. Ensure the phrase reflects the true extent of the limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little power" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "little" acts as a determiner modifying the noun "power". It indicates a deficiency or scarcity of strength, authority, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a deficiency of authority, influence, or strength. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its most common application lies within news and media contexts. While "little power" conveys a small amount of power, it's crucial to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and isn't overstated. Related phrases like "limited influence" and "minimal authority" offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, remember to use "little power" to precisely indicate a moderate lack of power, avoiding overstatements and considering context for accurate conveyance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited influence

Focuses specifically on the aspect of influence rather than general power.

minimal authority

Emphasizes the aspect of formal or legal power.

scant control

Highlights the lack of control over a situation or entity.

weak influence

Directly describes the influence as being feeble.

restricted capacity

Focuses on the limited ability to perform or act.

meager strength

Refers to a deficiency in physical or metaphorical strength.

inadequate force

Highlights a deficiency in the amount of applied strength or pressure.

deficient capability

Emphasizes lack of skill or expertise to accomplish something.

nominal influence

Suggests influence exists in name only, not in effect.

constrained power

Highlights that power is restricted by some external factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "little power" to describe a person, object, or entity that does not have much authority, energy, or influence. For example, "The mayor has "little power" over the city's budget."

What are some synonyms for "little power"?

Alternatives to "little power" include phrases like "limited influence", "minimal authority", or "scant control", each conveying a similar meaning of reduced or restricted power.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "little power"?

The phrase "little power" is generally correct, but ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. If the subject has absolutely no power, then "no power" might be a more appropriate description. Consider the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between ""little power"" and "limited power"?

While similar, ""little power"" suggests a generally small amount of power, whereas "limited power" emphasizes that the power is subject to restrictions or constraints. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the quantity or the restrictions on the power.