power plant

USAGE SUMMARY

"power plant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a facility that produces electricity, such as a solar power plant or a nuclear power plant. For example, "The small town decided to build a solar power plant to supply electricity to its residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a power plant".

The New York Times

Find an abandoned power plant".

The New York Times

A thermal power plant operates in Surabaya.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Your coal-fired power plant is aging.

The Economist

The power plant is an hour away.

Independent

The photograph depitcs a power plant.

The New Yorker

A thermal power plant is located nearby.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Russia has successfully hacked into American power-plant control systems.

TechCrunch

Wind Power Plant Growian.

Columbia University

Vol. 1: Nuclear Power Plant Design.

Nature

Big Cajun II Power Plant.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "power plant" when referring to the facility as a whole; if discussing the engine or energy source within the plant, consider more specific terms like 'generator' or 'reactor'.

Common error

Avoid using "power plant" when you specifically mean a turbine, generator, or reactor. "Power plant" refers to the entire facility, not just one part.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power plant" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a facility designed for electricity generation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing various types of energy production sites, from nuclear to solar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power plant" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a facility that generates electricity. As Ludwig highlights, it's used across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. While synonyms like "power station" exist, "power plant" maintains its relevance due to its straightforward and widely understood meaning. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes, solidifying its reliability and frequent use in formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power station

This term is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "power plant".

thermal power station

Specifies the type of power plant that uses heat to generate electricity.

nuclear power station

Specifies that the power plant is nuclear.

hydroelectric plant

A power plant which harnesses the energy of water.

generating station

Focuses on the function of generating electricity, suitable in technical contexts.

electricity generating facility

A more formal and descriptive term, emphasizing the facility's purpose.

combined heat and power plant

This specifies the type of power plant that produces both heat and power.

energy production facility

Broader term encompassing various energy sources beyond just electricity.

renewable energy installation

General term for facilities producing energy from renewable sources such as solar or wind.

electricity works

An older, somewhat archaic term for a facility that produces electricity.

FAQs

How is the term "power plant" used in a sentence?

The term "power plant" is used to describe a facility that generates electricity. For example, "The new solar "power plant" will provide clean energy to the city."

What are some synonyms for "power plant"?

Some synonyms for "power plant" include "power station", generating station, and electricity generating facility. The best choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between a "power plant" and a "power station"?

The terms "power plant" and "power station" are often used interchangeably. However, "power plant" can sometimes refer more broadly to any facility generating power, while "power station" might imply a larger, more established facility.

What types of power plants are there?

There are many types of power plants, including nuclear power plants, coal-fired power plants, hydroelectric plants, solar "power plant"s, and wind "power plant"s, each using different energy sources and technologies.