power

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'power' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the ability to do something, as in 'She wields a great deal of power in the company'. You can also use it to refer to energy or strength, as in 'The generator produces enough power to keep the entire village lit'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it'.

The Guardian

"But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my Government will do everything in its power to bring them home".

The Guardian

It is about power.

The Guardian

You have that power, too".

The Guardian - Film

With the power off, it's like an oven in here.

The Guardian

The two supreme court justices thought likely to cast the deciding votes, Anthony Kennedy and the chief justice, John Roberts, appeared deeply sceptical of the government's contention that healthcare regulation is a special case that gives Congress the power to oblige individuals to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

But any irony involved in a coalition government that came to power pledging to scrap identity cards introducing a system of foreign residence permits will be lost as the political parties indulge in "a race to the bottom" over immigration.

The Guardian

"If you want to stop Ed Miliband and the SNP from getting into power and wrecking our economy... and if you want me back on work on Friday working through our long-term economic plan as your prime minister then it is vital that you vote Conservative," Cameron said.

The Guardian

"So the real challenge for us as we debate our role in the EU is working out what we should be pushing forward, what we should be leading on within the EU, to make it – and us – a more effective economic and global power".

The Guardian

Economically, gas exports enable the government to maintain its tight grip on power.

The Guardian

Uzbekistan is central Asia's most populous state and strives to assert itself as a regional power.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts related to physics or electricity, "power" accurately describes the rate of energy transfer or the supply of electricity, maintaining precision and clarity.

Common error

Relying too heavily on the word "power" can lead to vagueness. Instead of saying someone has "power", specify what kind of "influence", "authority", or "ability" they possess to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "power" functions primarily as a noun, denoting ability, influence, or control. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and correct grammatical standing. It can also serve as a verb, meaning to supply with energy, or as an adjective, meaning impressive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "power" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to denote ability, influence, or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. It is observed that "power" frequently appears in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse settings. When considering alternatives, "influence", "authority", and "control" offer similar meanings with nuanced differences, depending on the intended context. The best practice involves using "power" with clarity and precision, while avoiding overuse to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control

Emphasizes the ability to determine the behavior or management of something.

influence

Refers more broadly to the capacity to affect someone's character, development, or behavior.

might

Suggests great force or strength.

authority

Implies a recognized right to command or control.

potency

Indicates effectiveness or strength.

dominion

Suggests supreme authority or control.

leverage

Focuses on the exertion of influence to achieve a desired outcome.

strength

Highlights physical or moral force.

energy

Emphasizes vigor and the capacity for activity.

capability

Focuses on the ability to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "power" in a sentence about electricity?

You can use "power" to refer to electrical supply, as in "The storm caused a widespread "power outage"" or to the rate of energy transfer, such as "This appliance consumes a lot of "electrical energy"".

What is the difference between "power" and "authority"?

"Power" generally refers to the ability to influence or control, while "authority" implies a recognized right to exercise control. For example, a manager has the "authority" to give tasks, but an influential team member may have the "power" to sway decisions.

What are some alternatives to the word "power" when discussing influence?

Alternatives include "influence", "control", "dominance", or "sway", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Influence" suggests a more subtle effect, while "control" implies direct management.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the word "power"?

"Power" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from discussing political control and energy supply to describing personal "strength" or "ability". It is particularly useful when referring to the capacity to exert influence or achieve a particular outcome.