lost power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost power" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a loss of electrical or mechanical power, but can also be used in a figurative sense to describe a loss of influence, strength, or control. Example: After the storm, the town lost power for three days and many households were left without electricity. Example: The company's CEO stepped down and the new leadership team has lost power over decision-making processes. Example: The team was ahead in the game until their star player got injured and they lost power on the field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We lost power".

The Economist

"He's lost power.

The New York Times

"Just lost power in Brooklyn….

The New York Times

Stogo lost power for days.

The New York Times

She hadn't even lost power.

The New York Times

The plane lost power.

The New York Times

It was their husbands who lost power.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the end, 70 percent lost power.

The New York Times

It lost power to the Liberals.

The Guardian

The DPP lost power in 2008.

The Economist

When that is lost power is ended".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a natural disaster, use "lost power" to clearly communicate the disruption of essential services. For example, "After the hurricane, many homes lost power for several days".

Common error

Avoid using "loss of power" when "lost power" is more concise and direct. "Lost power" is generally preferred in descriptions of immediate events or states, while "loss of power" can be used to describe a more abstract or gradual decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost power" functions as a verb phrase, typically with "lost" as the past tense of "lose" and "power" as the noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, indicating it follows standard English grammar rules. It's used to express a state of having ceased to have electrical or mechanical energy or authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost power" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe a disruption of electrical energy, mechanical function, or a decline in authority. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous real-world examples. It's often used in news reports, encyclopedias, academic articles, and casual conversations. When using the phrase, consider the context and whether a more specific alternative, such as "experienced a power outage" or "relinquished control", might be more appropriate. Avoid confusing it with "loss of power", which is generally used to describe a more abstract or gradual decline, but "lost power" is more concise and direct when describing a specific event or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced a power outage

Focuses specifically on the electrical aspect of losing power.

suffered a blackout

Implies a sudden and complete loss of electrical power.

were left without electricity

Highlights the state of being without electrical supply.

relinquished control

Focuses on the loss of control or authority in a situation.

forfeited authority

Emphasizes a formal or official loss of power.

abdicated influence

Highlights a voluntary or forced surrender of influence.

succumbed to weakness

Suggests a loss of strength or ability to act effectively.

became ineffective

Focuses on the resulting state of being unable to produce the desired effect.

ceased to function

Emphasizes a complete cessation of operation or activity.

grounded to a halt

Suggests a sudden and forceful stop, implying a loss of momentum or power.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost power" to describe a situation where there is a disruption of electricity, such as "The city "lost power" during the storm" or to describe a loss of authority, such as, "The government "lost power" after the election".

What are some alternatives to saying "lost power"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "experienced a power outage", "suffered a blackout", or "relinquished control".

Is it better to say "lost power" or "loss of power"?

"Lost power" and "loss of power" are both correct, but "lost power" is often more concise and direct when describing a specific event or state. "Loss of power" might be more suitable when referring to a more general or abstract concept.

What does it mean when something "loses power"?

When something "loses power", it means it ceases to have the energy or authority it once possessed. This could refer to a literal loss of electrical or mechanical energy, or a figurative loss of influence, control, or strength.