was empowered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was empowered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was given the authority or power to do something, often in a context of personal or professional development. Example: "After the training program, she was empowered to make decisions that would impact the team's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Legislature was empowered to choose a successor.

The New Yorker

He wasn't repressed by modernism – he was empowered by it.

The Guardian - Arts

However, I was empowered, knowing that he had personally chosen me for the role.

The New York Times

Instead, the latter offices were exempted, and the ombudsman's office was empowered only to make recommendations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He was an active vice president because I think he was empowered, but he wasn't a dominant factor.

The New York Times - Magazine

When Republicans did take control of the House, a huge block of climate-change opponents was empowered.

The New Yorker

Elections took place to a representative body, the State Duma, which was empowered to initiate and veto legislative proposals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Roberts was empowered to heal via TV screens and through prayed-over handkerchiefs sent by the mail.

The Economist

The assembly was empowered to enact ordinances on domestic affairs but was subject to the veto of the military government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was empowered to house, feed, medicate and educate them, in effect maintaining them as a political running sore.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Goodbye! ' It was empowering".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was empowered", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what granted the power or authority. For example, "The committee was empowered by the board to make financial decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "was empowered" without specifying the source of authority. Ambiguity can lead to confusion about the legitimacy or scope of the empowerment. Instead of saying "She was empowered", specify "She was empowered by the manager" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was empowered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the ability or authority to act. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across varied contexts, highlighting the subject's newly granted capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was empowered" is a versatile and frequently used expression, typically functioning as a passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to indicate that someone or something has received authority or capability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, always specify the source of empowerment. Alternatives like "was authorized" or "was given authority" can be used depending on the context. Proper usage involves clearly stating who or what conferred the power, avoiding ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "was empowered" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was authorized

Indicates formal permission or sanctioning, differing in its emphasis on official approval.

was enabled

Emphasizes the provision of means or opportunity, differing in its focus on capability.

was given authority

Directly states the act of receiving authority, highlighting the source of power.

was permitted

Focuses on allowance rather than the granting of power, suggesting less inherent capability.

was sanctioned

Indicates official approval or endorsement, stressing legitimacy and authorization.

was delegated

Suggests a transfer of responsibility or power, implying a specific task or role.

was entitled

Indicates a right or qualification to act, differing in its emphasis on inherent eligibility.

was commissioned

Implies being formally charged with a task or duty, highlighting the assignment aspect.

was invested with

Highlights the conferral of power or quality, suggesting a formal or ceremonial granting.

was licensed

Focuses on legal permission to perform specific actions, stressing regulatory compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "was empowered" in a sentence?

You can use "was empowered" to describe when someone or something has been given the authority or ability to do something. For example, "The team "was empowered" to make critical decisions regarding the project's future".

What are some alternatives to saying "was empowered"?

Alternatives include "was authorized", "was permitted", or "was given authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "empower"?

It depends on the context. Active voice (e.g., "The manager empowered the team") emphasizes the actor, while passive voice (e.g., "The team "was empowered"") emphasizes the recipient of the action.

What's the difference between "was empowered" and "became empowered"?

"Was empowered" suggests a single event where power was granted. "Became empowered" implies a process of gradually gaining power or confidence over time.