powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

'powerful' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, object, or idea that is strong, influential, and influential. For example, "His powerful oratory skills made him an effective leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The NSW Icac, set up by former Liberal premier Nick Greiner, has the standing powers of a royal commission and remains the original and most powerful of any of the state corruption bodies.

The Guardian

Issues of how to build a common life under conditions of pluralism, how to engage people in political participation and self-government, how to decentralise political and economic power, how to resist the domination of the rich and the powerful, how to renew love and work so that life can be meaningful and fulfilling.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the 75-year-old ayatollah has become so powerful that the council's supervisory role has diminished to a symbolic one despite members still being elected in public votes.

The Guardian

Band member Bill Drummond said, with perhaps a hint of burner's remorse: It seemed the most powerful thing to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, none of that justifies state intervention by itself, but a powerful economic argument can be made.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is powerful because it is not just a film about someone getting their painting back; it is a means of unlocking everything that happened to those families".

The Guardian - Arts

With a 59% drop from the previous frame, Age of Ultron fell harder than any other film in the top 10, and does not look set for a similarly powerful run, probably falling shy of £50m lifetime.

The Guardian - Film

They are powerful tools to help any organisation improve its performance".

The Guardian - Business

Python is an extremely powerful and flexible language that will let you build lots of software and you can even use it to interface with hardware on the Pi.

The Guardian - Tech

Under normal circumstances, Iran, the most powerful Shia country in the region, treats all religious Iraqi Shia parties equally.

The Guardian - Opinion

World Series Cup one-dayers probably would have succeeded no matter which corporate partner forked over the cash and plastered its name on the banner, but there remains something powerful and resonant about the marriage of sport and commerce that was the Benson and Hedges series'.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "powerful" to describe entities that exert considerable influence or force. For instance, describe a "powerful" argument, a "powerful" leader, or a "powerful" engine. Consider the specific context to select the most appropriate synonym for nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "powerful" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what kind of power is being exerted. For example, instead of saying "a powerful solution", specify "a powerful solution to reduce carbon emissions".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "powerful" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something or someone possessing great strength, influence, or effectiveness. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "powerful" functions as an adjective that describes a noun as possessing considerable strength, influence, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Its primary purpose is to emphasize significance and impact. Its register is neutral to professional, with a very high occurrence rate in news and media. Alternative words include "mighty", "influential", and "potent", offering nuanced ways to express strength or impact. When writing, use "powerful" in contexts where influence is more important than physical strength, avoiding overuse as a generic intensifier to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mighty

Focuses on great strength or force.

influential

Highlights the capacity to affect someone or something.

potent

Emphasizes effectiveness and the ability to produce a strong effect.

forceful

Stresses the use of power to achieve a result.

dominant

Indicates control and authority over others.

vigorous

Suggests energy and robustness.

commanding

Implies a position of authority and respect.

effective

Focuses on the ability to achieve desired results.

robust

Highlights strength and resilience.

compelling

Emphasizes the ability to persuade or convince.

FAQs

How can I use "powerful" in a sentence?

You can use "powerful" to describe something or someone with great strength, influence, or effect. For example, "The president delivered a powerful speech", or "She has a powerful voice in the community".

What's a word I can use instead of "powerful"?

Alternatives to "powerful" include "mighty", "influential", or "potent", depending on the context.

When is it best to use "powerful" versus "strong"?

"Powerful" suggests influence or control, while "strong" generally refers to physical strength or resistance. Use "powerful" when emphasizing impact or authority, and "strong" when indicating durability or force.

Is it correct to say something is "very powerful"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but consider using a more specific adjective if possible. For example, instead of "very powerful", you might say "exceptionally influential" or "remarkably potent".