power failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a power outage or failure has occurred, often in technical or operational contexts. Example: "Due to a sudden storm, the power failed, leaving the entire neighborhood in darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The heat rose and the power failed.

The New York Times

Hard power failed because of a lack of soft power.

The Guardian

Every time we went on stage, the power failed.

The Guardian - Music

Nehru and his heirs, relatively secure in their power, failed to deal adequately with those imperatives.

The Economist

When negotiations to remove Ṣāliḥ from power failed, loyalist and opposition fighters clashed in Sanaa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tokyo Electric has said the valves did not work at Fukushima Daiichi after the power failed.

The New York Times

At Fox Meadow Elementary School in Scarsdale, power failed a little before 8 a.m.

The New York Times

But projects like a generator fueled with wood chips, which was meant to provide hot water and clean power, failed.

The New York Times

However, as soon as the rush hour got under way yesterday, power failed on six lines at 7.10am.

Independent

After attempts to prevent these mamlūks from assuming power failed, the Ottomans were obliged to accept their rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

[Daily News] A woman who had been surviving on a ventilator died after power failed in a Bronx rehabilitation center.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events where electricity is lost, specify the cause if known (e.g., "due to the storm, the "power failed"") to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates what type of "power" is being referred to. If not electricity, clarify (e.g., "political power failed") to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power failed" functions as a statement of fact, typically describing an event where electrical power supply was interrupted. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its use in news reports and encyclopedia articles when documenting such occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "power failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in news and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating its purpose is to report the interruption of power, particularly electrical. While neutral in tone, it's important to ensure context clarifies what type of "power" is referenced. Alternatives like "electricity outage" or "loss of power" may be suitable depending on the specific situation. Its widespread presence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power outage

Commonly used to describe a situation where the electrical supply is interrupted.

electricity outage

Focuses specifically on the interruption of electrical power.

loss of power

A more general term indicating the absence of power, not necessarily electrical.

blackout occurred

Describes a widespread loss of electrical power.

grid failure

Specifies a failure within the electrical power distribution network.

power grid collapse

A more severe and widespread failure of the electrical grid.

energy disruption

Broader term encompassing any interruption in energy supply.

supply interruption

Highlights the break in the supply of power.

system malfunction

Indicates that the power system is not working as expected.

service disruption

Emphasizes that a service related to power provision has been affected.

FAQs

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

You can use "power failed" to describe situations where there's an interruption or cessation of electricity supply. For example: "The "power failed" during the surgery, forcing doctors to use flashlights".

What are some alternatives to saying "power failed"?

Alternatives include "electricity outage", "loss of power", or "power outage", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the power was failed"?

No, "the power was failed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "the power failed".

What does it mean when "power failed" in a political context?

In a political context, "power failed" typically means that someone's attempt to gain or maintain authority was unsuccessful. An alternative to saying this could be "attempts to gain power failed".