a matter of strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss topics related to physical or mental power, resilience, or capability in various contexts. Example: "In competitive sports, success is often a matter of strength, endurance, and strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a matter of strength.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was powerfully built, with a great hull neck — he still played competitive rugby, though he was over forty — and he could probably bench-press twice what I could, but fast paddling is not simply a matter of strength.

The New Yorker

It was a matter of strength, the Flyers and the Rangers, and when it was over, some may have wondered just why the Rangers want to get into the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

"Longevity plus wage and opportunity discrimination means these women need to work harder, save more and be in charge of their finances because financial independence isn't just a matter of strength; it's a matter of necessity" says Schwab-Pomerantz.

Forbes

Students bring to the classroom a host of predictable misconceptions about evolution: that fitness is a matter of strength, rather than reproductive success; that it is individuals, rather than populations, that evolve; that evolution is linear and progressive, rather than opportunistic and branching, and so on.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is not a matter of physical strength – after all, no horse is actually being hit.

The Guardian - Film

He also told me that he believed such data helped a player better understand that power was less a matter of raw strength than of refined mechanics.

The New York Times - Sports

BUT he says the partnering in the crude and cruel seduction scene with the Siren in "The Prodigal Son" is just a matter of brute strength, "like weight lifting: clean jerk".

The New York Times - Arts

"Rational assent" is a matter of the strength of the association between a sentence (or even some of the words in it!) and the word "true" (OM 1, prop.

SEP

Of course this isn't just a matter of brute strength.

Los Angeles Times

But managing this confrontation with Russia, with its powerful Cold War antecedents, is more than a matter of troop strength.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of strength", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of strength you are referring to (physical, mental, emotional, etc.) for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of strength" as a vague statement. Specify the type of strength involved to provide more meaningful insight. For example, instead of saying "success is a matter of strength", specify "success is a matter of mental strength and perseverance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of strength" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a predicate nominative, identifying or defining a subject, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase indicates that a particular outcome or situation hinges on the presence or degree of strength.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of strength" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that an outcome depends on power, resilience, or capability. Ludwig indicates that it functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative. While versatile, it's crucial to specify the type of strength for clarity. Its neutral register allows for use across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal settings. The phrase is relatively rare, but it is easily improved by remembering some tips and tricks to avoid any common mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of power

Replaces "strength" with "power", emphasizing the ability to exert influence or control.

a subject of resilience

Substitutes "strength" with "resilience", highlighting the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

a topic of fortitude

Replaces "strength" with "fortitude", emphasizing courage and endurance in the face of adversity.

an instance of capability

Focuses on the inherent ability or potential to perform a specific task.

a point of vigor

Emphasizes physical or mental energy and enthusiasm.

an issue of prowess

Highlights exceptional skill or ability, especially in a particular activity or field.

a demonstration of might

Replaces "strength" with "might", stressing great power or force.

a display of robustness

Highlights the quality of being strong and healthy; able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions.

a factor of potency

Emphasizes the power to influence or effect something.

a measure of hardiness

Highlights the ability to endure difficult conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of strength" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of strength" to indicate that something depends on someone's physical, mental, or emotional power. For example, "Overcoming this challenge is "a matter of strength" and determination."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of strength"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a question of power", "a matter of resilience", or "a topic of fortitude", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "it's a matter of strengths"?

While grammatically acceptable, "it's a matter of strengths" is less common. "Strengths" in the plural implies multiple distinct capabilities, whereas "strength" typically refers to an overall quality or attribute. So, depending on the context both variations are valid.

What is the difference between "a matter of strength" and "a test of strength"?

"A matter of strength" implies that success or outcome depends on possessing strength, while "a test of strength" suggests a situation designed to evaluate or challenge one's strength.