the power failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the power failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where electricity or power supply has been interrupted or lost. Example: "During the storm last night, the power failed, leaving us in complete darkness for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The heat rose and the power failed.

The New York Times

Every time we went on stage, the power failed.

The Guardian - Music

As it flooded the grinding engine room, the power failed.

The New York Times

Tokyo Electric has said the valves did not work at Fukushima Daiichi after the power failed.

The New York Times

But worse, she said, was the loss of scientific research and specimens flooded or destroyed when the power failed.

The New York Times

At Roaring Brook Elementary School in Chappaqua, the power failed at 9 30 a.m. on Jan . 18

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

What if the power fails?

The New York Times

It also turns on if the power fails.

The New York Times

When the power fails, the computers automatically switch over to the batteries.

The New York Times

Of course, the nearest a hologram can get to spontaneity is if the power fails.

The Guardian - Music

This is important because an alarm system can be disabled if the power fails.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "the power failed", be specific about the consequences, such as "the power failed, causing the hospital's backup generator to activate".

Common error

Avoid using "the power failed" interchangeably with terms like "power outage" without considering the context. "The power failed" describes the event itself, while "power outage" is a general term for a period of power loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the power failed" functions as a statement describing an event where the electrical power supply stopped working. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe events like equipment malfunctions and broader infrastructure issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the power failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the event of a power outage. As verified by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily within news and media. Alternative phrases like "the electricity went out" or "there was a power outage" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and specific about the consequences. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Given its common usage and clear meaning, understanding "the power failed" is essential for effective communication about electrical disruptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the electricity went out

This alternative focuses on the interruption of the electrical supply.

there was a power outage

This alternative uses a noun phrase to describe the event.

the lights went out

This alternative highlights the visible effect of the power failure.

the electricity was cut off

This alternative suggests a more abrupt and potentially deliberate interruption.

power was lost

This alternative emphasizes the loss of power as a resource.

the grid went down

This alternative refers to a failure in the electrical grid system.

we experienced a blackout

This alternative focuses on the experience of the power failure.

the electrical supply was disrupted

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the event.

the mains failed

This alternative refers to a failure in the main power supply.

there was a disruption to the electricity supply

This alternative uses formal language and a noun phrase to describe the event.

FAQs

What does "the power failed" mean?

The phrase "the power failed" means that the supply of electricity has been interrupted or stopped working. It indicates a sudden loss of electrical power.

What can I say instead of "the power failed"?

You can use alternatives like "the electricity went out", "there was a power outage", or "the lights went out" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the power failed"?

Yes, "the power failed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a situation where electrical power is lost.

How to use "the power failed" in a sentence?

You can use "the power failed" to describe a past event, such as "When the power failed, the backup generator started", or "Because the power failed, all the computers shut down".