was empowered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was empowered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was given power, authority, or the means to do something by another person or entity. Example: "The community was empowered by the new policies that promoted local leadership and decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Arts

The ordinary Yugi, who was empowered by game play to be a greater version of himself, was an appealing hero to young fans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was generally agreed that, in such cases, the vice president was empowered by the Constitution to assume the powers and duties of the office of president.

Britannica

"Not only was he told it was OK, but in his world, he was empowered by it," Johnson says in the documentary.

The Guardian

This alliance was empowered by a well-financed conservative machine of think tanks, media outlets and voter databases that liberals never adequately matched.

The New York Times - Books

Simon Brandler, 20, also a history major, said he was "empowered by the fact he cringes and recoils at what Yale has become.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

They have been empowered by their own trauma.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So many people are empowered by Twitter, Facebook.

The New York Times

I like to experiment and be empowered by clothes.

The New York Times

Musicians hardly need to be empowered by conductors.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was empowered by", make sure the subject is clearly defined and the source of empowerment is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was empowered by" vaguely. Clearly identify the source that provided the power or authority to prevent confusion or misinterpretation. For example, specify which law, person, or entity granted the power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was empowered by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received authority, strength, or capability from an external source. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was empowered by" is a versatile and commonly used passive voice construction that denotes the gaining of authority, capability, or strength from an external source. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. It serves to emphasize the origin of power or influence, making it essential for clear and precise communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the source of empowerment is explicitly identified to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "was enabled by" or "was authorized by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Top authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was enabled by

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity to do something; emphasizes facilitation.

was authorized by

Emphasizes formal permission or legal right.

was fueled by

Implies that something gained energy or momentum from a specific source.

was strengthened by

Highlights the reinforcing or fortifying effect of something.

was supported by

Indicates backing or assistance received from someone or something.

was influenced by

Focuses on the effect that something had in shaping something else.

was driven by

Suggests a motivating force behind an action or outcome.

was facilitated by

Highlights the ease or smoothness introduced by something.

was promoted by

Indicates active encouragement or advancement by something.

was reinforced by

Emphasizes the act of making something stronger or more pronounced.

FAQs

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

Use "was empowered by" to show that a person, group, or thing gained authority, influence, or strength from a particular source. For instance, "The community "was empowered by" the new policies."

What's a good alternative to "was empowered by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was enabled by", "was authorized by", or "was strengthened by" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "was empowered by" and "was influenced by"?

"Was empowered by" indicates the gaining of authority or power, while "was influenced by" suggests being affected or shaped by something. The former implies a direct increase in capacity, whereas the latter indicates a change in character or direction.

Is it better to use "was empowered by" or "was given power by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "was empowered by" is often more concise and implies a more significant and direct granting of authority or capability. "Was given power by" might suggest a more gradual or indirect conferral of power.