to empower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to empower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of giving someone the authority or power to do something, or to enable them to take control of their own life or decisions. Example: "Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To empower through opportunity.

The Guardian

I want to empower people.

The New Yorker

I had to empower myself.

The Guardian

To empower is not to blame.

The New York Times

And you have to empower people.

The New York Times

We want to empower the people".

The New York Times

It is to empower citizens," Cruz said.

The Guardian

"We want to empower all the people".

The New York Times

We need to empower the local communities".

The Guardian

"I tried to empower the local organization".

The New York Times

"I wanted to empower my community.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to empower", clearly define the specific area or skill in which you are enabling someone. For example, "to empower students in critical thinking" is more effective than simply "to empower students".

Common error

Avoid using "to empower" without specifying the context. Saying something like "we want to empower" without clarifying who and how the empowerment will occur weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to empower" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically introduces a statement of purpose or intention, indicating the goal of enabling or authorizing someone or something. Ludwig shows its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to empower" is a frequently used and grammatically sound infinitive phrase that conveys the act of giving someone authority or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and shows its widespread usage across various sources, including news, business, and science. To use it effectively, clarify the context of empowerment to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as ""to enable"" or ""to authorize"" based on the specific nuance you want to convey. By following these guidelines, you can use the phrase "to empower" with clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to enable

Emphasizes making something possible.

to authorize

Replaces "empower" with a focus on formal permission.

to give authority to

Highlights the act of granting power.

to delegate power to

Implies transferring responsibility and control.

to grant agency to

Focuses on providing independence and control.

to invest with power

Suggests endowing someone with lasting authority.

to entrust with responsibility

Emphasizes the act of giving someone a duty and the power to fulfill it.

to equip for success

Focuses on providing the necessary resources and skills.

to prepare to take control

Suggests readiness and anticipation of power.

to strengthen the position of

Focuses on reinforcing existing power.

FAQs

How can I use "to empower" effectively in a sentence?

Use "to empower" to show that someone is being given the ability, authority, or means to do something. For instance, "The program aims "to empower women" in developing countries through education and job training."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to empower"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to enable", "to authorize", or "to give authority to". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose based on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it always positive to "empower" someone?

While generally positive, the act of empowering can have unintended consequences if not carefully considered. Ensure that the empowerment aligns with ethical considerations and doesn't inadvertently create new problems or shift power dynamics in undesirable ways. The goal is "to invest with power" to better a situation.

What is the difference between "to enable" and "to empower"?

"To enable" generally means to make something possible, while "to empower" specifically means to give someone the power or authority to do something. For example, technology can enable remote work, while training programs empower individuals with new skills.