was given power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given power" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is given authority, control, or influence over something or someone. Example: "John was given power to make decisions for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"OK Computer was such a big thing for me because I was given power for the first time," he says.

The Guardian - Music

The Oscar-winning film-maker was given power of attorney over the company, which allowed him to control it.

The Guardian

The beast was given power and authority by a dragon, who also gave him "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies", according to Levesque's favored King James translation.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is invariably the first question that comes to mind when recalling that Hitler was given power in Germany 75 years ago last week.

The New York Times

In 1859 the Board of Trade received a charter from the Illinois legislature and was given power to set quality controls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Time ran out before the question could be considered at his church's con vention last July, and the ex ecutive council of the church was given power to act on the proposal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Scottish government was given powers over income tax rates and bands last year.

BBC

Lady Thatcher boasted, when the electricity industry was privatised, that she was giving power back to the people.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I saw that this place was giving power back to the people, so I stayed".

Vice

Peasants cannot be given power anymore.

Yale University

Congress is given power to regulate such commerce in unqualified terms.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "was empowered" or "was authorized" to subtly shift the emphasis depending on whether you want to focus on enablement or permission.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "was given power" as it can sometimes obscure the actor responsible for granting the power. Active voice often results in more direct and impactful writing. For example, instead of "The committee was given power by the board", consider "The board empowered the committee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given power" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received authority or control from an external source. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was given power" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the transfer of authority or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase adheres to standard English grammar. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries, with a neutral register suitable for professional communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the grantor and scope of the power. For stylistic variation, alternatives like "was granted authority" or "was empowered" can provide nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was granted authority

Emphasizes formal conferral of authority.

was authorized

Highlights the official permission to act.

was empowered

Focuses on enabling someone to act effectively.

was vested with authority

Suggests a more formal or legal bestowal of power.

had authority conferred upon them

Highlights the formal act of authority being passed.

was delegated power

Implies that authority was passed down from a higher level.

was entrusted with power

Suggests that power was given based on trust.

was invested with the ability

Highlights the provision of capacity to do something.

gained control

Focuses on the outcome of acquiring power.

acquired influence

Highlights subtle and non-official ways of getting power.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was given power" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was granted authority", "was vested with authority", or "was delegated power". These options emphasize the official transfer of authority.

What's the difference between "was given power" and "was empowered"?

"Was given power" generally indicates the simple act of transferring authority. "Was empowered" suggests the recipient is not only given authority but also the means and confidence to use it effectively.

Is "was given power" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was given power" is grammatically correct. It is a passive voice construction indicating that someone received authority or control.

What are some alternatives to "was given power" that avoid passive voice?

To avoid passive voice, rephrase the sentence to focus on the actor who granted the power. For example, instead of "The council was given power", try "The government empowered the council".