power is out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power is out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a loss of electrical power in a specific location. Example: "I can't finish my work because the power is out in my entire neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The power is out!" a Kaluker shouted.

The New Yorker

"If the power is out," she said, "I get calls".

The New York Times

By 4 09 power is out in Cleveland.

The New York Times

The power is out in every other building that we can see out of the windows.

The New Yorker

Power is out and there is no gas or water but we do not have any physical damage.

The Guardian

Even if the power is out on Sunday, Mr. Potts said, "I'm going to be watching the Super Bowl".

The New York Times

Markers show where power is out; the location of evacuation shelters and routes; traffic conditions; and where surges, floods and high winds are expected.

The New York Times

In a town in New Jersey where wells do not pump because the power is out, residents collect rainwater in empty jars.

The New York Times

This month, Hutchins invited readers to submit their own video or audio tales about what happens while power is out across the country.

The Washington Post

Hurricane Ike made that worse because 12 of the 14 jet fuel refineries in its path are still shut down because the power is out, Mr. Leak said.

The New York Times

He does not know the extent of the damage to their first-floor apartment, only that the power is out and that there's been a flood.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting a power outage, specify the affected area or devices to provide a clearer context. For example, "The "power is out" in the entire neighborhood" is more informative than simply stating "The "power is out".

Common error

Avoid using "power is out" for momentary flickers or brief interruptions. Reserve it for sustained periods without electricity to accurately convey the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power is out" functions as a statement indicating a disruption or absence of electrical power. Ludwig AI examples show it used to report outages affecting buildings, cities, or even broader regions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power is out" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where there is no electricity. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news reports, wikis, and business communications. While it's a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal settings, specifying the affected area enhances clarity. Be sure to reserve this phrase for significant, sustained outages rather than momentary flickers. Consider using alternatives like "electricity is down" or "there's a power outage" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

electricity is down

This alternative uses "electricity" instead of "power", providing a more technical term for the same concept.

the electrics are off

Similar to "electricity is down", this uses "electrics" and "off" to convey the same meaning.

there's a power outage

This alternative uses a noun phrase to describe the event of the power being out.

no electricity

This is a simple and direct way to state the absence of electrical power.

power failure occurred

This is a more formal and technical way of saying the power is out, using "failure" to denote the interruption.

there's no power supply

This alternative uses "power supply" to emphasize the interruption of the supply of electrical power.

the mains are down

This phrase is more common in British English, referring to the main electrical supply being interrupted.

grid failure

This alternative highlights a failure in the electrical grid, indicating a more widespread issue.

blackout occurred

This term refers to a more extensive power outage, often affecting a larger area.

lights went out

This alternative focuses on the immediate effect of the power outage, emphasizing the loss of lighting.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says the "power is out"?

When someone says the "power is out", it means there is a disruption in the electrical supply, causing lights and electrical devices to stop working. This could be due to various reasons like a storm, equipment failure, or planned maintenance.

What can I say instead of "power is out"?

You can use alternatives like "electricity is down", "there's a power outage", or "no electricity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the power is out" or "the power is off"?

Both "the power is out" and "the power is off" are acceptable and commonly used. However, "the power is out" often implies a more widespread or unexpected outage, while "the power is off" can also refer to intentionally turning off a device or circuit.

How long can food stay safe in the refrigerator when the "power is out"?

Food in the refrigerator typically stays safe for up to 4 hours when the "power is out". Keep the door closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. For the freezer, food can stay frozen for 24-48 hours depending on how full it is.