Learn English – When to use “electricity” and when to use “power”

word-usage

Many non-native English speakers, especially from Asia, often say "There is no electricity at home".

But seem that the native English speakers will say "There is no power at home".

so, When to use "electricity" and when to use "power"?

Best Answer

The two words are not synonymous although they may sometimes appear to be so. It is a function of context. As a native speaker, I say we have no power at home when it is clear from the domestic context that we have no electricity. If I were in a car and said we have no power, I would mean we have no working engine or transmission. If in a ship driven by steam turbine, I would mean we have no steam or no transmission, unless I were referring to the electricity supply points, in which case I would mean we have no elecricity.

Related Topic