be strong for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be strong for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to maintain strength or resilience for the sake of another person or situation. Example: "During this difficult time, I need you to be strong for your family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The total effect of mindfulness on well-being was found to be strong for both models.

Personality and Individual Differences

I got to be strong for them".

The New York Times

I want to be strong for girls.

Independent

I need to be strong for that.

The New York Times - Sports

You're supposed to be strong for them.

The New York Times

"I have to be strong for her, too," she said.

The New York Times

I'd always had to be strong for myself.

The Guardian

"You will live through it, and be strong for others".

The New Yorker

Be strong for me," Ms. Diallo said at the church.

The New York Times

I had to be strong for the both of us".

The New York Times

"The situation is," Maria said, "we have to be strong for Jennifer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be strong for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what benefits from your strength. It's often used in situations where someone needs to persevere for the sake of others or a cause.

Common error

Avoid using "be strong for" when offering practical help or emotional support would be more effective. Sometimes, actions speak louder than simply being strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be strong for" functions primarily as an imperative construction, encouraging someone to maintain their resilience and composure. As shown by Ludwig, it often emphasizes the need to provide support or stability to others during challenging times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be strong for" is a versatile phrase used to express the need for resilience and support, especially towards others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, predominantly in News & Media contexts but also in Science and Formal & Business settings. While it is important and broadly used, there may be better alternatives in different contexts, such as "remain resilient for" or "provide strength to". Remember to emphasize that the target benefits from the strength and consider if direct action may be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain resilient for

Focuses on maintaining resilience as opposed to just being strong.

be a source of strength for

Highlights being a provider of strength.

stay supportive of

Shifts the focus to offering support rather than personal strength.

provide strength to

Emphasizes the act of giving strength.

keep it together for

Focuses on maintaining composure for someone's benefit.

offer resilience to

Highlights the provision of resilience in challenging situations.

lend support to

Stresses the act of providing assistance and encouragement.

act as a pillar for

Uses a metaphor to describe providing stability and support.

keep going for

Focuses on the need to continue despite difficulties.

shoulder the burden for

Emphasizes taking on responsibilities or difficulties for another.

FAQs

How can I use "be strong for" in a sentence?

You can use "be strong for" to express the need to maintain resilience for someone else's sake. For example, "I need to "be strong for" my children during this difficult time".

What is a good alternative to "be strong for"?

Alternatives include "remain resilient for", "stay supportive of", or "provide strength to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be strong for"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining inner strength and composure, typically for the benefit or support of others, especially in challenging situations.

What does it mean to "be strong for" someone?

To "be strong for" someone means to maintain your own emotional and mental stability so that you can provide support, encouragement, or stability to that person. It often implies putting aside your own needs to help someone else cope with a difficult situation.