acquire strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gaining power, resilience, or physical strength over time. Example: "Through consistent training and dedication, athletes can acquire strength and improve their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They run distance in the fall to acquire strength for shorter-track racing in the spring and summer.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's an entirely different matter when, for instance, Bowie's "Heroes" is effectively turned into an elegy, Gabriel's vulnerable voice supported by tentative strings which gradually acquire strength, sawing away furiously in minimalist manner, to carry his performance to its climactic epiphany.

Independent

These, at the proper season, when pierced at the bottom, discharge from the heart through the holes made in them all the redundant and pernicious juices, and thus drying acquire strength and durability.

University of Chicago

These findings acquire strength because they come from a study investigating utilitarian judgments by tDCS in a large study sample, 78 subjects, balanced for sex and age and controlled for religious beliefs and type of education.

Plosone

Bodybuilders frequently use anabolic steroids and dietary supplements to acquire strength and body bulk [ 1].

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yarn acquires strength and abrasion resistance from sizing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Yang, patience was an acquired strength, born of his struggles last year.

The New York Times - Sports

As he slowly works his way toward the audience, his back straightens and his voice acquires strength from his very revulsion.

The New York Times

The willingness of the European Council to tackle these sensitive issues in a democratic and participatory way, instead of simply avoiding them altogether, will in time pay off in terms of acquired strength, credibility and legitimacy.

Stanford University

Besides, 2-h CO2 curing accelerated early-stage carbonation inside the porous structure, sequestered 5.6% of CO2 (by weight) in the sediment blocks, and acquired strength comparable to 7-d curing.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

He reminds us of Noah Webster's admonition that children's minds be "untainted till their reasoning faculties have acquired strength and the good principles which may be planted … have taken deep root"; and he cites a 1979 opinion in which Justice Lewis F. Powell declares that "the State is entitled to adjust its legal system to account for children's vulnerability".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire strength", consider the context and whether a more common synonym like "gain strength" would be more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire strength" in highly informal or casual writing, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "get stronger" or "build strength".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire strength" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "acquire" is a transitive verb and "strength" is its direct object. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes the action of gaining or obtaining strength.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire strength" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the process of gaining power, resilience, or physical strength. According to Ludwig, its usage is valid and can be observed across various contexts including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While not as common as synonyms like "gain strength" or "develop strength", "acquire strength" is suitable for neutral to formal registers. When writing, consider the subtle differences in meaning between "acquire strength" and related phrases like "muster strength". Using "acquire strength" is best when indicating a gradual or consistent process of improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain strength

This alternative uses a more common verb with the same meaning.

develop strength

Focuses on the process of building strength over time.

build up strength

Implies a gradual increase in strength.

cultivate strength

Suggests a more deliberate and nurturing approach to gaining strength.

attain strength

Emphasizes reaching a certain level of strength.

secure strength

Highlights the act of firmly establishing strength.

procure strength

Implies obtaining strength from an external source or effort.

muster strength

Conveys gathering or summoning available strength, often in a challenging situation.

accumulate strength

Focuses on the gradual collection of strength over time.

harness strength

Suggests controlling and utilizing existing strength effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "acquire strength" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire strength" to describe the process of gaining physical, mental, or even political power. For instance, "The runner trained diligently to acquire strength for the marathon."

What are some alternatives to "acquire strength"?

You can use alternatives like "gain strength", "develop strength", or "build up strength" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "acquire strength" or "gain strength"?

While both are correct, "gain strength" is generally more common and widely used in everyday language. "Acquire strength" can sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "acquire strength" and "muster strength"?

"Acquire strength" suggests a gradual or consistent process of gaining power or resilience. "Muster strength", on the other hand, implies gathering or summoning available power in a specific moment or situation.