a trial of strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trial of strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups compete to demonstrate their physical or mental power. Example: "The competition turned into a trial of strength as the athletes pushed themselves to their limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is a trial of strength.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a trial of strength that we are winning.

The Guardian

The alternative is to continue a trial of strength, which everyone loses.

The Guardian

He will not be getting into a trial of strength with the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt.

The Guardian

When conditions maximized humiliation and confrontation, every interaction escalated into a trial of strength.

The New Yorker

The two countries are locked in a trial of strength over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the number of absentees from each team mean that, like the meeting at Knowsley Road in April, this will be a trial of their strength in depth.

The Guardian - Sport

For some, the outcome of the weekend's protests will be viewed as a trial of the strength of the Occupy movement months after the groups emerged in cities around the nation with messages about income inequality.

The New York Times

The commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution turned yesterday into a massive trial of strength between an ever more authoritarian and unpopular government and its ever more determined and durable opposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Profumo is likely to get plenty of job offers outside Italy.In this section A Mao in every pocket Speak less softly, carry a stick Trial of strength Busily going nowhere The big guys' lament An exit unbecoming Tucking in The Marmite effect Correction: Ireland ReprintsUniCredit was transformed under his watch with the acquisition of HVB, a German firm, in 2005.

The Economist

Someone who spent their formative years in Massachusetts, say, may always hanker for Samuel Adams, a local beer.In this section A Mao in every pocket Speak less softly, carry a stick Trial of strength Busily going nowhere The big guys' lament An exit unbecoming Tucking in The Marmite effect Correction: Ireland ReprintsThe new study finds a clever way to test this idea.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trial of strength" when describing situations where opposing sides are testing each other's resolve, power, or capabilities, especially in political, economic, or physical contests.

Common error

Avoid using "a trial of strength" in casual conversation; it is better suited for formal writing or when describing serious, high-stakes situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trial of strength" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation or event where power, resolve, or capabilities are being tested, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trial of strength" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe situations characterized by tests of power, resolve, or capability. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in formal contexts, particularly news and media. While alternatives like "a test of strength" or "a power struggle" exist, "a trial of strength" often implies a more prolonged or significant challenge. When writing, reserve its use for formal contexts to avoid register clashes, and use it to frame situations where opposing sides are testing each other's limits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a test of strength

Replaces "trial" with "test", maintaining the core meaning of assessing power or capability.

a contest of strength

Substitutes "trial" with "contest", suggesting a more formal competition.

a battle of wills

Focuses on the mental aspect of competition rather than physical, implying a struggle of determination.

a power struggle

Emphasizes the conflict for dominance or control between entities.

a test of endurance

Shifts the focus to the ability to withstand strain or hardship over time.

a challenge to authority

Highlights the aspect of questioning or defying established power.

a struggle for supremacy

Indicates a fight to achieve the highest level of power or control.

a show of force

Implies a demonstration of power intended to intimidate or impress.

a competitive clash

Describes a confrontational situation driven by competitive desires.

a test of resolve

Highlights the determination and firmness of purpose being assessed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trial of strength" to describe situations where entities test each other's power or resolve. For example, "The election became "a trial of strength" between the two parties."

What's a good alternative to "a trial of strength"?

Alternatives include "a test of strength", "a power struggle", or "a battle of wills", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what context is "a trial of strength" most appropriate?

The phrase is most appropriate in formal contexts like news reporting, academic analysis, or when describing significant competitions or conflicts. It is less suitable for casual conversation.

Is "a trial of strength" the same as "a test of strength"?

While very similar, "a trial of strength" often implies a more prolonged or significant challenge than "a test of strength". Both suggest assessing power, but "trial" can suggest endurance over time.