a strong impulse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong impulse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a powerful urge or motivation to act in a certain way. Example: "She felt a strong impulse to help the stranger in need, despite the risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

'It was a strong impulse.

The Guardian - Film

I'm sympathetic to young poets who feel a strong impulse to disguise what they're saying.

The New York Times - Books

People who are overloaded will have a strong impulse to avoid or escape anxiety.

Harvard Business Review

Hibernation is a strong impulse among theatregoers, even in cities that are warmer than Calgary.

The Guardian

Clinical islet transplantation has recently received a strong impulse from the results obtained with the introduction of the Edomonton group.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

After his arrest Mr. Metesky Metesizli was found by psychiatrists to be an incurable paranoid schizophrenic with a strong impulse to martyrdom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Although an air of moral concern lends an understanding a noble appearance, it may be that a clear perception of interest would supply a stronger impulse to action.

The New Yorker

"If he came out here, people would have a stronger impulse to say, 'Yes, he's been doing something,' " said Stainton Stewart, whose power was restored on Monday, two weeks after the storm.

The New York Times

I had an impulse to cover my stunned heart with my hand and a stronger impulse to touch the girl's face.

Vice

But a stronger impulse inherent in the tradition, expressed by Prophets and sages of all generations, expresses the mandate to enter the world and imbue it with values of justice, forbearance and compassion as partners in the ongoing creation of this future of peace.

Huffington Post

I think there was a pretty strong impulse among Democrats before tonight to have Clinton stop talking about who failed her in her loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong impulse" to convey a powerful, often sudden, urge or motivation. It's effective in describing both internal feelings and external drivers of action. For a more nuanced meaning, consider related phrases.

Common error

While versatile, "a strong impulse" can sound less appropriate in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "significant motivation" or "critical stimulus" depending on your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong impulse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a potent and sudden motivation or urge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong impulse" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a powerful and often sudden urge or motivation. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable. While frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Scientific and Academic writing, reflecting its broad usability. When writing, remember that while its register is generally neutral, it could be substituted for more precise language in highly formal or technical contexts. Consider alternatives like "a powerful urge" or "a compelling desire" to subtly alter the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful urge

Emphasizes the intensity and compelling nature of the feeling.

a compelling desire

Highlights the attractiveness and irresistible quality of the wish.

an irresistible inclination

Focuses on the difficulty of resisting the feeling.

a potent motivation

Highlights the driving force behind an action.

an intense yearning

Conveys a deep and persistent longing.

a driving ambition

Implies a goal-oriented and forceful desire.

a profound temptation

Suggests a moral or ethical conflict related to the desire.

a visceral reaction

Emphasizes the instinctive and emotional nature of the response.

a spontaneous urge

Highlights the sudden and unplanned nature of the feeling.

a keen aspiration

Focuses on the hopeful and ambitious quality of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong impulse" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong impulse" to describe a sudden urge or motivation, as in "He felt "a strong impulse" to help." or "The new policy gave "a strong impulse" to the economy".

What phrases are similar to "a strong impulse"?

Alternatives include "a powerful urge", "a compelling desire", or "an irresistible inclination", each conveying a slightly different nuance of intensity or irresistibility.

Is "a strong impulse" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts, but it's most common in news and media. For very formal or scientific writing, consider more precise terms.

When is it best to use "a strong impulse" instead of "a strong desire"?

"A strong impulse" often suggests a more sudden or spontaneous feeling compared to "a strong desire", which implies a longer-lasting or more deliberate wish. For instance, you might feel "a strong impulse" to buy something you see in a store, but have a strong desire for a new car.