assertion of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assertion of will" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the act of confidently stating and following through on one's desires or decisions. Example: Despite facing numerous obstacles, she continued on with her plans, showing a strong assertion of will.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Even a piece as open-ended as "4'33″ " is, ultimately, an assertion of will.

The New Yorker

The ones who capitalise on second chances, though, do it by assertion of will and self.

The Guardian - Sport

Even a piece as open-ended as "4'33" " is, ultimately, an assertion of will.

The New Yorker

The first act dramatises Fanny's energising assertion of will in rising to the top professionally and in bagging an improbably handsome beau.

Independent

Their lovemaking, photographed straight on, without lyricism or sensuality, but with awed amazement, is a successful assertion of will against a dead sky.

The New Yorker

In fact, "West Wing" is part of a tradition that has been absent from weekly television for a long time: the old-fashioned liberal drama, where there is no problem that can't be solved by an assertion of will and an exercise of passion.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They come across as anguished assertions of will.

The New Yorker

This revolt, inasmuch as it was the assertion of naked will against reasoned planning, was irrational from first to last.

The New York Times

In what may be an extended case of overcompensation, so much of the President's conduct in the war has become an assertion of personal will.

The New Yorker

But he added that the recent changes were seen in the newsroom as an even more naked assertion of political will.

The New York Times

Constriction and freedom — and the assertion of individual will in cruelly oppressive circumstances — are themes Ms. Holland has explored before, in "The Secret Garden, Washington Squarere" and her earlier World War II drama, "Europa Europa".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assertion of will" to emphasize a deliberate and forceful action taken to achieve a specific outcome, particularly when facing opposition or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "assertion of will" when a simpler term like 'determination' or 'intention' adequately conveys the meaning. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the act of asserting is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assertion of will" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of confidently expressing and acting upon one's desires. Ludwig's examples show it often appears in discussions of individual agency and overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assertion of will" is a valid and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of forcefully expressing and acting upon one's desires. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most often found in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. While not as common as simpler terms like "determination", it is best employed to highlight situations where the act of asserting is significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples provided demonstrate its versatility across various contexts, from personal determination to political influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of will

Focuses on the outward manifestation of one's desires or intentions.

representation of will

Emphasizes the portrayal or embodiment of one's desires.

assertion of determination

Stresses the act of confidently stating one's resolve.

conclusion of will

Highlights the final decision or determination made.

demonstration of resolve

Implies a clear showing of firmness in purpose.

notion of will

Refers to the concept or idea of willpower and determination.

exercise of power

Highlights the active use of one's authority or influence.

manifestation of intent

Focuses on how intentions become visible or apparent.

declaration of purpose

Emphasizes a formal or clear statement of one's aim.

imposition of desire

Suggests a forceful or assertive pursuit of one's wishes.

FAQs

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

You can use "assertion of will" to describe a situation where someone is forcefully acting upon their desires, like: "Her success was a clear display of her strong "assertion of will"".

What are some alternatives to "assertion of will"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "expression of will", "demonstration of resolve", or "exercise of power".

Is there a difference between "assertion of will" and "determination"?

"Determination" implies a firm decision to do something, while "assertion of will" suggests a more forceful and active imposition of that decision, often against resistance.

When is it appropriate to use "assertion of will" instead of "intention"?

Use "assertion of will" when you want to highlight the active and forceful nature of pursuing a goal. "Intention" is a more neutral term that simply means planning to do something.