power to act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power to act" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing authority, capability, or agency. Example: "The committee has the power to act on behalf of the community." Alternative expressions include "authority to act" and "ability to act."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They just have no power to act.

The New York Times

Counties have no power to act on their own.

The Economist

The Fed alone has the power to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Alan Johnson still has the power to act.

The Guardian

We have the power to act and therefore have responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not as if Obama doesn't have the power to act.

The New Yorker

The Brotherhood's rhetoric was radical enough to frighten opponents without diminishing their power to act.

Independent

One, the streets still had the power to act as Twitter was unplugged.

The New York Times

And they obviously have the power to act on their beliefs".

The New Yorker

Politicians, in turn, must renounce freedom of thought in the interests of limited power to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

Blame for the abysmal failure should be focused on those who have the power to act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "power to act", clearly define the scope and limits of that power within the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures understanding of the phrase's implications.

Common error

Avoid using "power to act" in contexts where the authority is vague or undefined. Instead, specify the exact actions that can be taken and any constraints involved to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power to act" functions primarily as a noun phrase, indicating the possession of authority, capability, or agency. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness. Examples show it defining who possesses authority or capability in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "power to act" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying the possession of authority or capability to perform specific actions. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, showcasing its presence across diverse sources such as news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for professional and formal communication. When using this expression, ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limits of the power being described to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "authority to act" or "ability to act" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority to act

Emphasizes the official right or permission to perform an action.

ability to act

Focuses on the inherent capability or skill to perform an action.

capacity to act

Highlights the potential or available resources to take action.

right to act

Stresses the moral or legal entitlement to perform an action.

license to act

Implies a formal permission or authorization to perform an action, often with specific conditions.

prerogative to act

Suggests a special or exclusive right or privilege to perform an action.

authorization to act

Highlights the formal approval or endorsement to perform an action.

means to act

Focuses on having the necessary resources or tools available to perform an action.

agency to act

Emphasizes the ability and freedom to make independent choices and perform actions.

option to act

Highlights the availability of a choice or opportunity to perform an action.

FAQs

How can I use "power to act" in a sentence?

You can use "power to act" to describe someone's authority or ability to take action in a specific situation. For instance, "The manager has the "authority to act" on behalf of the company."

What's the difference between "power to act" and "ability to act"?

"Power to act" often implies formal authority or delegated responsibility, while "ability to act" focuses more on inherent capability or skill. One can have the ability without the power, and vice versa.

What are some alternatives to "power to act"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""authority to act"", "capacity to act", or "right to act". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize authority, capability, or entitlement.

Is it correct to say someone "has the power to acted"?

No, the correct form is "has the power to act". The word "act" should be in its base form after the word "to". Using "acted" is a common grammatical error.