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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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electric power, electrical power/electric energy, electrical energy
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1
2016/03/13 - 3:12pm

Hi, everyone! I'm learning English as a second language now. I have an English question. Thanks for your help!

electric power/electrical power

electric energy/electrical energy

?Which is correct? What’s the difference between electric and electrical? As I know, it should be electric power, but the example of Oxford given is electrical power.

http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/american_english/electrical?q=electrical

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2
2016/03/13 - 6:40pm

Hi Z7766431, and welcome to the forum!

The use of "electric" vs. "electrical" is largely a matter of subtle style. No worries. Same thing with "geographic" and "geographical" and many others. Both "electric" and "electrical" are adjectives that can modify a noun. Usage seems to be trending slightly to the simpler "electric" (see this Ngram).

Your second question is a matter of definition. Electrical energy is measured in "kilowatt-hours" or "joules" (as is any type of energy). Electrical power is a rate of energy use, flow, or production. It's measured in "kilowatt-hours per day or month" on utility bills, and "joules/second" or "watts" in SI.

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