under power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under power" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to machinery, vehicles, or systems that are operational or functioning. Example: "The boat is currently under power as it navigates through the channel." Alternative expressions include "in operation" and "powered up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rods are extended through the bearings, which revolve slowly under power from a drive wheel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The boat is under power and heading north toward Cape Sable at four to five knots.

The New York Times - Sports

I would also disable the Fast Boot system which is hidden away in a System Settings screen under Power Options.

The Guardian - Tech

Under power, the PT's big-boned structure provides rattle-free composure and excellent isolation from even the shabbiest secondary roads.

The New York Times

The second boat, clearly under power, cut a zigzag course along the river toward the boat carrying the Honduran and American agents, ramming one end.

The New York Times

Mr Borschberg will spend all day climbing as the aircraft's batteries are recharged and will then descend slowly under power throughout the night, taking care to conserve energy.

The Economist

The school boats — 24-foot sailboats — make their way under power through the slot and out into the great wide open.

The New York Times

At one point, they conveyed their beans under power of wind on a schooner from the Dominican Republic to the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The New Yorker

But fields generated by high-voltage lines have long been under scrutiny, after some studies indicated a weak correlation between living under power lines and childhood leukemia.

The New York Times

The two water stations built by Humane Borders are 14 miles apart under power lines that the migrants use as guideposts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don't under-power your boat.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of a vehicle or machine, use "under power" to clearly indicate it is running or being propelled by its engine or motor.

Common error

Avoid using "under power" when you simply mean something is plugged in or turned on but not actively performing a task. "Powered on" or "energized" might be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under power" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate the means by which an action is performed. It describes the state of something operating or moving due to its own energy source. This usage aligns with the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes a state of active operation due to an energy source. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to science and technology, indicating a versatile and neutral register. The examples show it commonly describes vehicles or machinery in operation. To avoid misuse, ensure the subject is indeed actively using its power source, rather than simply being turned on. Alternative phrases like "in operation" or "powered up" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in operation

Focuses on the state of being active and working, rather than specifically mentioning power.

powered up

Highlights the action of activating or energizing something.

energized

Emphasizes the state of being supplied with energy.

functioning

Indicates that something is working correctly, without specifying the source of energy.

in commission

Suggests that something is ready for use and actively operating.

active

Simply means something is currently in use or operation.

running

Implies continuous operation, often used for machines or processes.

live

Indicates that a system is active and responsive.

operative

Refers to being in a working condition, ready for use.

capable of operation

Describes the ability to function, but doesn't necessarily mean it is currently operating.

FAQs

How can I use "under power" in a sentence?

Use "under power" to describe something actively operating due to an energy source, like "The submarine was traveling "under power"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "under power"?

You can use alternatives like "in operation", "powered up", or "functioning" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "under power" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "under power" is grammatically correct and widely used. However, depending on the context, a phrase like "in operation" might be more suitable.

What does "under power" mean?

The phrase "under power" typically means that a machine or vehicle is operating using its own engine or motor. It indicates that the object is actively moving or working due to its power source.