a sense of strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of strength" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of inner power or confidence that a person may experience. For example: After overcoming her greatest fear, she felt a sense of strength.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It gives such a sense of strength".

The New Yorker

But with his calmness comes a sense of strength.

The New York Times - Arts

It helped restore a sense of strength that had slipped through his fingers.

The New York Times

Keeping fit didn't just give me a sense of strength, it also gave me hope.

The Guardian

Although, on screen, Green can exude a sense of strength and power, in person she is doll-like.

The Guardian - Film

As with Ms. Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe's women retain a sense of strength even in the kookiest outfits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Engaging with the exercise will give one a sense of strengths and weaknesses in understanding the material and will be good preparation for a final examination.

The Law of Emergencies Public Health and Disaster Management

He said that he attended Mass daily, not only on St. Blaise's feast day, "because it gives me a sense of inner strength".

The New York Times

And yet the lusty, vivacious women in these images seem hardly victimized or dirty; somewhere in her process Ms. Amer reclaims a sense of their strength and sexuality.

The New York Times - Arts

I had to help with my siblings and eventually buy my own clothes and a car, but it gave me a sense of inner strength.

The New York Times

Mr Piketty's magnum opus is certainly not without its weaknesses, but the quality of the criticism it has attracted provides a sense of the strength of the argument he makes.Consider Clive Crook's sceptical review at Bloomberg.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of strength" to describe an internal feeling of power or resilience, rather than physical strength. For example, "She drew on a sense of strength to overcome her grief."

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of strength" to describe physical capabilities. Instead, use it to convey inner fortitude, mental resilience, or emotional power. For example, it's more appropriate to say, "She displayed remarkable physical strength," rather than using "a sense of strength" in that context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of strength" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes an internal quality or feeling, such as emotional resilience or inner power. It identifies something that someone possesses or experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of strength" is a commonly used phrase to describe an internal feeling of power, resilience, or confidence. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media sources, as well as more general contexts like Wikipedia. It is most effectively used to convey emotional or mental fortitude rather than physical power. When writing, remember to use it to describe inner qualities and to consider alternative phrases like "a feeling of empowerment" or "inner fortitude" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of empowerment

Focuses on the feeling of being empowered, highlighting agency and control.

an inner fortitude

Emphasizes the mental and emotional strength to face adversity.

a surge of confidence

Highlights a sudden increase in self-assurance and belief in one's abilities.

a wave of resilience

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

a bedrock of self-assurance

Emphasizes a fundamental and unwavering belief in oneself.

a reservoir of courage

Highlights an inner supply of bravery and willingness to face danger.

a deep-seated conviction

Focuses on a firmly held belief or opinion.

a newfound self-reliance

Emphasizes the ability to depend on oneself, especially after a period of dependence.

an unyielding spirit

Highlights a steadfast and resilient attitude.

a tenacious resolve

Focuses on a determined and persistent mindset.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense of strength" to describe an internal feeling of empowerment or resilience. For example: "After overcoming her illness, she felt "a sense of strength" she hadn't experienced before."

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

Some alternatives include "a feeling of empowerment", "inner fortitude", or "a surge of confidence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sense of strength" to describe physical power?

It's generally more appropriate to use "a sense of strength" to describe inner, emotional, or mental resilience rather than physical prowess. For physical power, consider using phrases like "physical strength" or "powerful physique".

How does "a sense of strength" differ from "a feeling of strength"?

While similar, "a sense of strength" often implies a more profound or deeply rooted feeling of inner power and resilience than "a feeling of strength", which may be more fleeting or circumstantial.