Cool MateElectricity vs Power
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Electricity
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Power
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Electricity | Power | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpaʊə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpaʊər/"]/ |
| Meaning | A form of energy that powers machines and devices. | The ability to do something or to control people or things. |
| Example | Electricity powers our homes and appliances. | The power of the wind can generate electricity. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | high-voltage, low-voltage, mains, create, generate, make, flow, run, surge through something, bill, charges, costs | absolute, ultimate, considerable, come to, rise to, assume, be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/something), flow from somebody/something, lie with somebody/something, struggle, relations, structure, in power, in somebody’s power, power of, abuse of power, the balance of power, a bid for power, absolute, ultimate, considerable, come to, rise to, assume, be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/something), flow from somebody/something, lie with somebody/something, struggle, relations, structure, in power, in somebody’s power, power of, abuse of power, the balance of power, a bid for power, full, reduced, electric, generate, produce, provide (somebody/something with), drive something, run something, go off, cable, grid, line, power for, a source of power, full, reduced, electric, generate, produce, provide (somebody/something with), drive something, run something, go off, cable, grid, line, power for, a source of power, awesome, great, real, awesome, great, real, air, combat, military, have, possess, use, beyond somebody/something’s power, in somebody’s power, within somebody’s power, at the height of your powers, at the peak of your powers, at the zenith of your powers, air, combat, military, have, possess, use, beyond somebody/something’s power, in somebody’s power, within somebody’s power, at the height of your powers, at the peak of your powers, at the zenith of your powers, air, combat, military, have, possess, use, beyond somebody/something’s power, in somebody’s power, within somebody’s power, at the height of your powers, at the peak of your powers, at the zenith of your powers, absolute, ultimate, considerable, come to, rise to, assume, be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/something), flow from somebody/something, lie with somebody/something, struggle, relations, structure, in power, in somebody’s power, power of, abuse of power, the balance of power, a bid for power, great, major, world, air, combat, military, have, possess, use, beyond somebody/something’s power, in somebody’s power, within somebody’s power, at the height of your powers, at the peak of your powers, at the zenith of your powers, air, combat, military, have, possess, use, beyond somebody/something’s power, in somebody’s power, within somebody’s power, at the height of your powers, at the peak of your powers, at the zenith of your powers, absolute, ultimate, considerable, come to, rise to, assume, be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/something), flow from somebody/something, lie with somebody/something, struggle, relations, structure, in power, in somebody’s power, power of, abuse of power, the balance of power, a bid for power |
| Antonyms | non-electricity, manual power | weakness, ineffectiveness |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'electrical' as an adjective instead of a noun., Using 'electricity' to refer to all forms of energy, instead of just this specific kind., Omitting articles, e.g., saying 'I need electricity' instead of 'I need the electricity.' | 'Power' as a verb — learners often mistakenly use 'power' when they mean to say 'empower'., Confusing 'power' with 'might', as they have different nuances., Misusing 'power' in phrases, e.g., 'the power of' requires a specified noun. |
| Usage notes | Use 'electricity' when talking about energy sources or power. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, like discussions about science or technology. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. In discussions about politics or leadership, 'power' often has a weighty connotation, while in casual settings it might refer to electricity or strength. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts when discussing serious topics. |
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Frequently asked questions: Electricity vs Power
What's the difference between Electricity and Power?
Electricity: A form of energy that powers machines and devices. Power: The ability to do something or to control people or things.
Are Electricity and Power the same CEFR level?
Electricity: A2, Power: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Electricity and Power?
Electricity: noun, Power: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Electricity: Electricity powers our homes and appliances. Power: The power of the wind can generate electricity.
Can I use Electricity and Power interchangeably?
Not always. Electricity and Power are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.