an indomitable will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indomitable will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, unyielding determination or resolve in a person. Example: "Despite facing numerous challenges, her indomitable will allowed her to persevere and achieve her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Murphy is a man with a sense of humor and an indomitable will.

The New York Times

Stereotypes like the notion that Canadians are hard-working players who more than make up for lack of talent with big hearts and an indomitable will to win.

The New York Times

Telling how Colonel Day, in wretched condition himself, comforted him when he was near death from beatings, Senator McCain wrote that Colonel Day "had an indomitable will to survive with his reputation intact, and he strengthened my will to live".

The New York Times

The card that came out gave his weight as 48 pounds and this character reading: "You have an indomitable will power, enabling you to overcome in triumph many trying circumstances".

The New Yorker

Istomin had never thought of a career beyond tennis, and he battled back to reach a career-high ranking of 33 three years ago, testimony to an indomitable will and a prodigious work ethic.

The Guardian - Sport

Her huge repertory didn't feature strident protest songs but in love songs and lullabies, party songs and calls for unity there was an indomitable will to survive: a joyful tenacity that could translate as both deep cultural memory and immediate defiance.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This student was lucky enough to have an instilled indomitable will to pull herself from the cracks in which she slipped through unnoticed.

Huffington Post

In all her later incarnations, she is a figure of indomitable will and quicksilver passion -- a kind of Marxist-Leninist Eva Peron.

The New York Times - Magazine

Planck was a man of indomitable will.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The churning waters of destruction — devastating as they have been — are already yielding to the indomitable will of an army of friends, neighbors, strangers and leaders who refuse, in the American tradition, to accept defeat.

Huffington Post

It was said that he "has a strong personality, high ideals and indomitable will and was generous to a fault".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an indomitable will" to describe someone who consistently overcomes challenges with unwavering determination. For example, "Despite facing numerous setbacks, the athlete demonstrated an indomitable will to succeed."

Common error

Avoid using "an indomitable will" when describing simple perseverance. This phrase is best suited for situations where someone displays extraordinary resolve against significant odds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indomitable will" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "indomitable" modifies the noun "will". According to Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate in many contexts to describe someone's character.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

The New Yorker

5%

Forbes

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indomitable will" is a phrase used to describe a person's unyielding determination and resolve. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and personal narratives. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with the adjective "indomitable" emphasizing the strength of the noun "will". While suitable for formal and informal usage, it's best employed when highlighting extraordinary perseverance against significant challenges. Alternatives like "unwavering resolve" or "tenacious spirit" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning. Always remember to use "an" before "indomitable" due to the vowel sound, and reserve this phrase for situations where exceptional strength of will is truly demonstrated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unyielding spirit

Focuses more on the emotional and mental strength that cannot be broken.

unwavering resolve

Emphasizes a firm decision and commitment to a course of action.

relentless determination

Highlights the persistence and unwillingness to give up despite obstacles.

tenacious spirit

Suggests a stubborn and persistent approach to achieving goals.

iron will

Implies a very strong and inflexible determination.

determined mindset

Highlights the mental attitude of being resolved and focused.

unbreakable resolve

Focuses on the aspect of determination that cannot be shattered or weakened.

persistent drive

Emphasizes the continuous and forceful effort to achieve a goal.

strong-willed nature

Refers to an inherent characteristic of having a powerful determination.

resolute character

Highlights a firm and unwavering moral strength.

FAQs

How can I use "an indomitable will" in a sentence?

You can use "an indomitable will" to describe a person's unwavering determination to achieve a goal despite significant obstacles. For example, "Her "unyielding spirit" and an indomitable will allowed her to overcome every challenge she faced."

What are some alternatives to "an indomitable will"?

Alternatives to "an indomitable will" include phrases like "unwavering resolve", "tenacious spirit", or "iron will", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a indomitable will" instead of "an indomitable will"?

No, the correct usage is "an indomitable will". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. While "indomitable" starts with the letter 'i', it makes a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "determination" and "an indomitable will"?

"Determination" refers to a firm decision to do something, while "an indomitable will" suggests a more powerful and unyielding resolve, implying a greater ability to withstand challenges and setbacks. It's a "relentless determination".