a sturdy character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sturdy character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is strong, resilient, or has a solid moral foundation. Example: "Despite facing numerous challenges in life, she has always shown herself to be a sturdy character, never backing down from her principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He was a sturdy character and tremendously capable in performing his duties," Roosevelt said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Long before she was a doll, Kit took shape in Ms. Tripp's imagination as "a sturdy little character who marches ever forward," the author said in an interview.

The New York Times - Style

By concentrating on the period in which he was receiving medical attention, however, it implies that before he fell out with his fellow artist Paul Gauguin in the Yellow House in Arles, Van Gogh was a sturdy rational character of infinite sobriety.

The Guardian - Arts

But his stardom was short-lived, and in the 1950s and '60s, Edwards settled for a career as a sturdy, recognizable character actor.

Los Angeles Times

Tough, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, portrays a country of very privileged children and very poor ones, both deprived of the emotional and intellectual experi­ences that make for sturdy character.

The New York Times - Books

"Lacking the sturdy character of the Victorians," as Roy F Baumeister and John Tierney put it in their book Willpower‚ "people didn't have the strength to follow up on the insight and change their lives".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She favored sturdy characters and spare prose.

The New Yorker

When the studio brought Mr. Crowe aboard, the screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna ("The Devil Wears Prada") had already taken a shot at adapting Mr. Mee's book; according to Mr. Crowe she had devised a sturdy structure and characters "that popped".

The New York Times

Seizing on this, Richardson lent the character a sturdy independence that counterpointed the sexual subjugation of Helen Mirren as her opposite number.

The Guardian

Scott makes for a sturdy hero, though his character is — and this is a plus — more thinking man than macho bruiser.

Los Angeles Times

Still, in the years since, she has built a sturdy résumé as a recognizable character actor on TV and in films.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sturdy character" to describe individuals who possess resilience, integrity, and a strong moral compass. This phrase is particularly effective in highlighting their ability to withstand challenges while maintaining their values.

Common error

While the phrase "a sturdy character" is generally appropriate, avoid using it excessively in very informal or casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "strong" or "dependable" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sturdy character" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "sturdy", implying strength and resilience, with the noun "character", referring to a person's moral and ethical qualities. As Ludwig AI highlights, this combination effectively describes someone who is not easily swayed or broken by challenges.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sturdy character" is a phrase used to describe someone who is resilient, reliable, and possesses strong moral principles. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in news articles, biographical accounts, and other contexts where admiration and respect are to be conveyed. While it may not be the most common phrase, its impact lies in its ability to effectively communicate strength of character. For alternative expressions, consider using "a resilient character", "a strong personality", or "a reliable person", depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resilient character

Emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties; focuses on toughness in the face of adversity.

a strong personality

Highlights overall mental and emotional strength, rather than physical robustness.

a robust individual

Focuses on health and vigor, suggesting both physical and mental well-being.

a reliable person

Stresses the trait of being dependable and trustworthy.

a dependable individual

Similar to 'reliable person', but has a slightly more formal tone.

a solid citizen

Suggests respectability and contribution to the community; emphasizes moral standing.

an upstanding person

Highlights ethical behavior and adherence to moral principles.

a steadfast individual

Emphasizes loyalty and unwavering commitment.

a stalwart figure

Suggests unwavering support and reliability, often in a leadership role.

a grounded character

Highlights stability and a sense of reality; suggests someone who is not easily swayed.

FAQs

How can "a sturdy character" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a sturdy character" to describe someone who is resilient and reliable, for example: "Despite facing many hardships, she proved herself to be "a sturdy character", always standing firm in her beliefs."

What are some alternatives to "a sturdy character"?

Alternatives include "a resilient character", "a strong personality", or "a reliable person". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sturdy character" a formal or informal phrase?

"A sturdy character" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It's suitable for news articles, biographies, and other contexts where you want to convey respect and admiration.

What qualities does "a sturdy character" imply?

The phrase "a sturdy character" suggests qualities such as resilience, reliability, integrity, and the ability to withstand challenges without compromising one's values. It evokes an image of someone who is both strong and dependable.