to be empowered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be empowered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gaining confidence, authority, or control over one's life or decisions. Example: "In order to succeed in her career, she believes it is essential to be empowered and take charge of her own professional development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're not trying to be empowered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Customers want to be empowered, not controlled.

Harvard Business Review

"I really believe they need to be empowered".

The New York Times

That's so sweet you want me to be empowered.

The New York Times

Women need to be empowered mentally and physically as well.

The New York Times

I don't need to be empowered anymore than Kardashian does.

The Guardian

Teachers want to be empowered to do their own thing.

The Guardian

Management needs to be empowered more, to curtail job actions.

The New York Times

The elderly are to be "empowered" by our chancellor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Musicians hardly need to be empowered by conductors.

Harvard Business Review

To be empowered as a patient, you really need to express what your specific needs are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be empowered" when you want to emphasize the process of gaining authority, confidence, or control, particularly in contexts where someone or something facilitates that gain.

Common error

Avoid using "to be empowered" when merely describing someone receiving help or support. Empowerment implies a more profound shift in agency and control, not just temporary aid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be empowered" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verbal complement. It indicates a state of receiving power or authority, aligning with Ludwig's examples of individuals or groups gaining control over their circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be empowered" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies the process of gaining control, authority, or confidence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate empowerment from simple assistance and to ensure the context aligns with a genuine shift in agency and control. Related phrases such as "to gain agency" or "to become self-reliant" can serve as effective alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be self-determined

Focuses on the ability to decide one's own fate or course of action.

to gain agency

Focuses on the ability to act independently and make one's own free choices.

to be given autonomy

Highlights the granting of independence or self-governance.

to become self-reliant

Emphasizes the capacity to depend on oneself, reducing the need for external support.

to be enabled

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity to do something.

to take control

Emphasizes assuming command or responsibility.

to be authorized

Implies receiving formal permission or approval to act.

to be strengthened

Implies fortifying one's position or capabilities.

to build capacity

Emphasizes developing the skills and resources needed to succeed.

to be liberated

Highlights the act of being freed from constraints or restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "to be empowered" in a sentence?

You can use "to be empowered" to describe the process of someone gaining control or authority. For example, "Citizens need "to be empowered" to hold governments accountable."

What are some alternatives to "to be empowered"?

Alternatives include "to gain agency", "to become self-reliant", or "to be given autonomy", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean "to be empowered"?

To "to be empowered" means to be given the authority or power to do something; it suggests gaining control over one's circumstances or decisions.

Is there a difference between "to be empowered" and "to feel empowered"?

"To be empowered" suggests an external granting of power or authority, whereas "to feel empowered" implies an internal sense of confidence and control. You can "to be empowered" without necessarily "to feel empowered", and vice versa.