act of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'act of will' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a conscious decision made willfully by someone. For example: "He made an act of will to quit his job and start his own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At the beginning it's an act of will, willing yourself not to move or scratch or fiddle.

The New York Times - Arts

It was an act of will.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everything that Céline became was an act of will.

The New Yorker

A dance of spirit or an act of will?

The New York Times - Sports

"It was an incredible act of will," Mr. Biesenbach said.

The New York Times

* 4 3 5 ACT OF WILL, by Barbara Taylor Bradford.

The New York Times - Books

* 3 3 4 ACT OF WILL, by Barbara Taylor Bradford.

The New York Times - Books

Sitting upright at my father's birthday dinner required a huge act of will.

The New Yorker

They are back at the garage, Wiley having "driven soberly as an act of will".

The New Yorker

It took an act of will rather than confidence to bring out Max Ruelas-Rivera, 38.

The New York Times

In her last act of will, Evita attended Peron's second Inauguration in a plaster support.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act of will" to emphasize the conscious and deliberate nature of a decision or action. This phrase is especially effective when highlighting overcoming obstacles or demonstrating strong determination.

Common error

Avoid using "act of will" when describing mere desires or hopes. This phrase implies a conscious decision followed by purposeful action, not just a passive wish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of will" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically describes a specific instance of exercising one's volition or determination to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Books

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act of will" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the deliberate and intentional nature of a decision or action, often highlighting effort and determination. As exemplified by Ludwig, its usage spans neutral to formal contexts, prominently appearing in news, academia, and literature. While semantically related alternatives exist, such as "deliberate decision" or "conscious choice", understanding the nuanced implications of "act of will" is crucial for effective communication. A key writing tip is to reserve its use for situations where conscious intent is paramount, avoiding confusion with mere desires or impulses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exertion of willpower

Directly relates to the application of inner strength to achieve a goal.

exercise of volition

A more formal way of expressing the use of one's will.

deliberate decision

Emphasizes the conscious and intentional nature of the choice.

conscious choice

Highlights awareness and intent in making the decision.

intentional action

Focuses on the purposefulness and premeditation behind the act.

display of resolve

Implies a visible demonstration of determination.

voluntary decision

Stresses that the decision was made freely and without coercion.

manifestation of intention

Focuses on making an intention apparent through action.

determined effort

Highlights the resolve and commitment involved in the action.

purposeful undertaking

Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "act of will" in a sentence?

You can use "act of will" to describe a situation where someone makes a deliberate and conscious decision to do something, especially when it requires effort or determination. For example: "Overcoming his fear was an "act of will"."

What are some alternatives to saying "act of will"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deliberate decision", "conscious choice", or "intentional action".

Is it redundant to say "free act of will"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "free" before "act of will" can be redundant, as an "act of will" inherently implies a voluntary and uncoerced decision. It's generally clearer to simply use "act of will".

What's the difference between "act of will" and "impulse"?

An ""act of will"" signifies a deliberate and thoughtful decision, while an "impulse" is a sudden, often irrational urge or inclination. They represent opposite ends of the decision-making spectrum.