only power left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only power left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the only remaining option or resource is power, often in a context of urgency or finality. Example: "After all the negotiations failed, it seems that we have only power left to resolve this conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Goldman revives her through the only power left to him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is an international community that occasionally can be led by the only real power left in the world, and that's the United States, when it suits our interests and when we can get others to go along".

The New Yorker

"There's an international community that occasionally can be led by the only real power left in the world and that's the United States when it suits our interests and when we can get others to go along .The neoconservatives applauded.

The Economist

When it comes to the United States, we're talking about a country that not so long ago saw itself as the only great power left on planet Earth, "the lone superpower".

Huffington Post

Smoltz wanted to retire Perez quickly to avoid facing Cliff Floyd, who he said was the only power hitter left in the Mets' lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

Its batteries are half depleted -- only 350 hours of power left.

The New York Times - Tech

America's historical conquests led to some colonial claims (e.g., over Puerto Rico, Guam and the Phillipines), but their greater legacy included the end of European colonialism as America emerged from the dust of the World Wars among the only world powers left standing.

Huffington Post

If that happened, the stability facility, which has only 300 billion euros of borrowing power left, would not be big enough to help.

The New York Times

The eye began to bleed in the eighth although Tua showed more energy in the later rounds and appeared to be the only one who had any punching power left.

The New York Times - Sports

From Stainboy, a superhero whose only power is leaving stains, to the dangerously dexterous Edward Scissorhands — his most poignant creation — his gallery of endearingly pathetic juvenile weirdos is impressive.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Power left without taking questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only power left", ensure the context clearly establishes what kind of power is being referred to (e.g. political, physical, economic) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "power" is universally understood. Specify the domain of power you're referencing; otherwise, your writing could be vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only power left" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. It signifies the singular, remaining source of influence or control after other options are depleted. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only power left" signifies a situation where all other options are exhausted, and the only remaining course of action involves exerting force or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable, conveying urgency and finality, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider specifying what kind of "power" you're referencing for clarity. Alternatives like "last remaining strength" or "sole remaining force" can add specific nuances to the message. However, remember to not be ambiguous about the type of power intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last remaining strength

Focuses on the depletion of resources, emphasizing the final source of strength.

sole remaining force

Highlights the uniqueness and exclusivity of the remaining force.

final vestige of authority

Emphasizes the last bit of authority that remains.

ultimate recourse

Highlights the last option or method for achieving a goal.

last resort

Indicates that all other options have been exhausted.

only option remaining

Emphasizes the lack of alternative choices.

remaining influence

Focuses on the power to affect something indirectly.

last card to play

Metaphorically suggests a final strategic move.

only weapon left

Highlights a final mean for fighting or achieving a goal.

single advantage remaining

Focuses on the one and only advantage still available.

FAQs

How can I use "only power left" in a sentence?

You can use "only power left" to describe a situation where the sole remaining option is force, influence, or ability. For example: "After diplomacy failed, military intervention was the "only power left"."

What does it mean when someone says there's "only power left"?

It typically means that all other avenues, such as negotiation, compromise, or reason, have been exhausted, and the only remaining option is to exert some form of influence or control.

Which is more appropriate, "only power left" or "last resort"?

The choice depends on the context. "Only power left" emphasizes the exertion of influence or control, while "last resort" simply indicates the final option available, which may or may not involve power.

What are some alternatives to saying "only power left"?

Consider using phrases like "last remaining strength", "sole remaining force", or "ultimate recourse" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.