My volition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My volition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express one's will or choice in a formal or literary context. Example: "I acted according to my volition, choosing the path that felt right to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Irrespective of whether these things had anything to do with my volition they have turned out to be my three enduring achievements.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I knew where I was and what I was doing, but my volition seemed to have been dialled down so that I could not move or speak.

The New Yorker

According to this view, I control my volition or choice simply in virtue of its being mine its occurring in me.

SEP

To use one of Locke's own examples, if I am locked in a room and will to leave, my volition will not result in my leaving (E1-5 II.xxi.10: 238).

SEP

One might say, for example, that the pleasure of eating the cake determined my will in the sense of fixing the content of my volition (as the volition to acquire the pleasure of eating the cake) (see Stuart 2013: 439; LoLordo 2012: 55 56).

SEP

A volition is an intention that has come to fruition: it has an intentional content but also is causally affecting my behavior: 'I shall eat a light dinner now' expresses my volition and is usually accompanied by at least the first stirrings of activity.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The turn was not of my own volition: it was my body that turned my head back, while my mind continued forward for a few steps.

The New Yorker

HOPELESSNESS is out MAnd6 via SecrethenCanadIan and Rough Trade.

Vice

How was something I had done of my own volition relevant to my being raped?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe I am cheap or naive or stupid, but I didn't feel like shelling out thousands of dollars on therapy, when I hadn't yet attempted to take control of my life under my own volition.

Vice

Maybe I am cheap or naïve or stupid, but I didn't feel like shelling out thousands of dollars on therapy, when I hadn't yet attempted to take control of my life under my own volition.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "My volition" when you want to emphasize a formal or philosophical aspect of making a choice or acting on one's own will. It adds a layer of intentionality and deliberation to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "My volition" in everyday conversations or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "My choice" or "My decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My volition" functions as a possessive noun phrase, where "My" indicates possession or origin and "volition" refers to the act of willing or choosing. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English, particularly in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My volition" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express personal will or choice, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's more common in formal and philosophical contexts than in everyday conversation. While alternatives like "My choice" or "of my own accord" exist, "My volition" adds a layer of intentionality and deliberation. As evidenced by the examples found by Ludwig, the phrase appears in both news media and scientific discussions, reflecting its versatility in conveying deliberate action stemming from personal agency. It's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal contexts to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My own free will

Emphasizes the freedom and independence of the will.

My independent will

Highlights autonomy and self-governance in deciding.

My personal choice

Highlights the aspect of selection and preference.

My deliberate decision

Stresses the thoughtful and intentional nature of the decision.

Of my own accord

Focuses on acting spontaneously without external pressure.

By my own determination

Highlights the strength and resolve behind the action.

My conscious intent

Emphasizes awareness and purpose in one's actions.

According to my desires

Focuses on aligning actions with personal wishes.

At my discretion

Highlights the power to decide and choose.

Based on my judgment

Emphasizes the role of personal evaluation in decision-making.

FAQs

How to use "My volition" in a sentence?

You can use "My volition" to emphasize that an action was performed willingly and deliberately. For instance, "I chose to volunteer of "my own volition"" indicates a conscious and voluntary decision.

What can I say instead of "My volition"?

Alternatives to "My volition" include "My will", "My choice", or the phrase "of "my own accord"". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "My volition" or "My own volition"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "of "my own volition"" is more common and idiomatic. "My volition" is typically used in more formal or philosophical contexts, while "of "my own volition"" is more frequently used in general writing.

What's the difference between "My volition" and "My intention"?

"My volition" refers to the act of making a conscious choice or decision and acting upon it. "My intention" refers to the purpose or aim behind an action. Volition implies a decision being put into effect, whereas intention is the aim or plan. You might have the intention to do something, but acting on that intention is an act of volition.