power outage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power outage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a loss of electrical power in a specific area. Example: "Due to the severe storm, we experienced a power outage that lasted for several hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Power outage is a daily occurrence.

The Economist

Instead, the Mets experienced a sudden power outage.

The New York Times - Sports

According to the Sun-Ledger, Fremont's power outage was total.

The New Yorker

The incident resulted in a massive power outage.

The New York Times

The power outage seemed an affront to national honour.

The New Yorker

But it was the scale of the power outage that was new — not the idea of a power outage.

The New Yorker

We would have just thought it was a power outage.

The New York Times

What if there was an electrical power outage?

The New York Times

There were also reports of a power outage.

The Guardian

Moments later the stadium suffered a massive power outage.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was the scale of the power outage that was new not the idea of a power outage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a "power outage", be specific about the consequences, such as disrupted services, affected areas, or estimated restoration time.

Common error

Avoid attributing unrelated events directly to a "power outage" without clear evidence. Ensure that the described consequences are logically and demonstrably linked to the outage itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power outage" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It names a specific event: the interruption of electrical power. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing events (e.g., "The incident resulted in a massive power outage") and states of being (e.g., "There is currently a power outage at West Campus.").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power outage" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes an interruption in the supply of electricity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, from formal news reports and academic announcements to informal conversations. The phrase's neutral register and clear meaning make it suitable for diverse audiences. When using "power outage", clarity is crucial: specifying the cause, impact, and duration helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

electricity failure

Focuses on the failure of the electrical system.

blackout

Implies a widespread and often unexpected loss of power.

power disruption

Highlights the interruption of the power supply.

grid failure

Specifically refers to a failure in the electrical grid system.

loss of electricity

A more general term for the absence of electrical power.

interruption of power supply

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of the power supply.

service interruption

Highlights the cessation of service provided by the electrical company.

electrical fault

Focuses on the technical malfunction causing the outage.

power cut

A concise term indicating the cessation of power.

energy failure

Broader term encompassing any failure in the energy supply, including electricity.

FAQs

What causes a "power outage"?

A "power outage" can be caused by various factors, including severe weather conditions, equipment failure, planned maintenance, or even accidental damage to power lines.

What can I say instead of "power outage"?

You can use alternatives like "electricity failure", "blackout", or "power disruption" depending on the context.

How long does a "power outage" typically last?

The duration of a "power outage" can vary from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity of the cause and the extent of the damage to the power grid.

What should I do during a "power outage"?

During a "power outage", it is advisable to use flashlights instead of candles, unplug sensitive electronics, and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. Consider using a backup generator if available.