operate power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate power" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts related to managing or controlling power systems or machinery, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The technician was trained to operate power systems safely and efficiently."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Highly automated machines now administer drugs to hospital patients, produce intricate semiconductors and operate power plants, transforming technicians from machine operators into supervisory controllers.

The New York Times - Arts

He added that if hackers could spy on the communications of infrastructure operators, they might be able to gain credentials to access systems used to operate power stations and other infrastructure.

BBC

Whenever I paused, I studied written and video tutorials on how to operate power sanders.

The New York Times

The map above, from the report's appendix, indicates which states lose the most water to operate power plants.

The New York Times

The robots will be required to do things like drive vehicles, climb over debris, operate power tools and control machines and valves.

The New York Times

Park Service officials said that it could be finished before then but that the date depended on the weather: the team cannot operate power tools in the rain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The company operates power plants in North Carolina and Maryland.

The New York Times

RAG owns Steag, which operates power plants in Germany, Colombia and Turkey.

The Economist

Ogden, based in New York, builds, owns and operates power plants.

The New York Times

The United States has 104 operating power reactors, but all the reactors ordered after 1973 were canceled.

The New York Times

ScottishPower operates power generation and gas storage businesses in the United States and Canada.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to machinery or equipment, specify the type of equipment that is being operated. For example, use "operate power tools" or "operate power plants" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "operate power" in general contexts. It is usually more effective to specify what kind of power you are referring to, such as electrical power or mechanical power. For instance, instead of saying "he knows how to operate power", specify "he knows how to operate electrical systems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operate power" functions as a verb phrase where "operate" acts as a transitive verb, but it is considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is not commonly used, and its usage often requires specifying the object of the verb (e.g., "operate power tools").

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "operate power" is grammatically questionable and not commonly used. Ludwig AI underscores its infrequent and somewhat awkward nature. Specifying the object of "operate" (e.g., "operate power tools" or "operate power plants") improves clarity. More common alternatives include "control power" or "manage power", which are generally preferable. While it appears in news, science, and wiki contexts, its usage is inconsistent, making it essential to exercise caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control power

Focuses on the act of managing or regulating power, implying a level of supervision and adjustment.

manage power

Highlights the administrative and organizational aspects of handling power resources or systems.

use power

Emphasizes the act of utilizing power for a specific purpose or function, focusing on consumption.

apply power

Suggests the deliberate and directed exertion of power toward a particular goal or effect.

harness power

Implies capturing or channeling power from a source and making it available for use.

exploit power

Suggests using power to its full potential, sometimes with connotations of resource extraction or strategic advantage.

regulate power

Focuses on maintaining a stable and consistent flow or level of power within a system.

handle power

Implies managing power with care and expertise, especially in potentially hazardous situations.

administer power

Highlights the systematic and procedural aspects of managing power resources within an organization.

direct power

Implies channeling power towards a specific task, outcome or goal.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "operate power" in a sentence?

While not commonly used, "operate power" can refer to controlling machinery. A better approach is often to specify what's being operated: "operate "power tools"" or "operate "power plants"".

What's a clearer way to say "operate power"?

Consider alternatives that specify the context. For instance, use "control power" or "manage power" to describe the act of overseeing power systems. Specify the type of power for even better clarity.

Is "operate power" grammatically correct?

The phrase "operate power" is not a standard construction. It's generally better to say "operate power equipment" or use a more descriptive verb such as "control power supply".

What is the difference between "operate power equipment" and "use power equipment"?

"Operate "power equipment"" focuses on the action of using the machinery, implying skill or training, while "use power equipment" simply means utilizing the equipment. The context dictates which is more appropriate.