power
Power refers to the ability to do something or to control people and things. It also means the energy, like electricity, used to make machines, lights, and heaters work.
Examples
3 of 5The computer will not start because it has no power.
The computer has no electricity to turn on.
The president has the power to sign new laws.
The leader has the official right to approve rules.
Switch off the power before you leave the house.
Turn off the lights and electricity before going out.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Power outlet' in the wall. It gives your phone the 'strength' to work.
Quick Quiz
The storm caused a _____ cut, and now all the lights are off.
Correct!
The correct answer is: power
Examples
The computer will not start because it has no power.
everydayThe computer has no electricity to turn on.
The president has the power to sign new laws.
formalThe leader has the official right to approve rules.
Switch off the power before you leave the house.
informalTurn off the lights and electricity before going out.
Scientists are studying the power of the sun to create clean energy.
academicResearchers are looking at the sun's strength for electricity.
We need to increase our market power to beat the competition.
businessThe company needs more influence in the industry.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Knowledge is power
Knowing things makes you more effective and influential
Power trip
Acting bossy because you enjoy having control
The powers that be
The people who are in charge of a situation
Often Confused With
Force usually implies physical pushing or pulling, while power is a more general ability or control.
Strength is often about physical muscle or durability, whereas power is about the capacity to act or use energy.
Usage Notes
Use 'power' as an uncountable noun when talking about electricity (e.g., 'the power is out'). Use it as a countable noun when talking about influential nations (e.g., 'world powers').
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'open the power' instead of 'turn on the power' when referring to electricity.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Power outlet' in the wall. It gives your phone the 'strength' to work.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'poir', which means 'to be able'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, 'empowerment' is a common social goal, focusing on giving power to individuals.
Quick Quiz
The storm caused a _____ cut, and now all the lights are off.
Correct!
The correct answer is: power
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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