by strength of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by strength of will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe achieving something through determination and mental fortitude. Example: "She completed the marathon by strength of will, pushing through the pain and fatigue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Gorer himself had diagnosed an over-all silencing of the mourner: "Today it would seem to be believed, quite sincerely, that sensible, rational men and women can keep their mourning under complete control by strength of will and character, so that it need be given no public expression, and indulged, if at all, in private, as furtively as... masturbation".

The New Yorker

He has no superpowers, merely undergoing extensive bodybuilding, martial arts training, autodidactic study of medicine, the law, foreign languages, preraphaelite painting and so on to force himself by strength of will to become a one-man scourge of the criminal underworld.

The Guardian - Film

Commenting on "the character of Hamlet", he in effect joins a discussion among his contemporaries, adding to the mix of similar assessments by Goethe, Schlegel, and Coleridge his observation that Hamlet "is not a character marked by strength of will or even of passion, but by refinement of thought and sentiment".

Wikipedia

"The character of Hamlet is not a character marked by strength of will or even of passion, but by refinement of thought and sentiment", writes Hazlitt, and he sides with Schlegel and Coleridge in thinking that Hamlet "seems incapable of deliberate action".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"He's in cycle now that's marked by strength of mind, will and body.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there came a point when Liverpool's players, some of whom showed signs of weariness as they completed their eighth match in 23 days, looked as if they were being hauled towards the Double only by the strength of will of their fans.

The Guardian - Sport

The work also seems to play off the great American myth that one can, no matter the degree of discrimination, pull themselves up purely by the strength of will.

Vice

He fully displays the motive power of Churchill's magnificent writings and speeches, and leaves us awestruck by Churchill's strength of will throughout a lifetime of often debilitating illnesses and physical infirmities, as well as shattering career setbacks.

Forbes

She made her movie début in Rob Reiner's "North" (1994), and, a few roles later, Robert Redford cast her as the juvenile heroine of "The Horse Whisperer," who endures a grievous injury and has to recover her strength of will by climbing back in the saddle.

The New Yorker

The Times reported that the statue's face reflected 'characteristic qualities of strength of will irradiated by an expression of great sweetness and sympathy'.

The Guardian - Books

Open wounds and nightmares that deepen with time, redeemed – if at all – not by any fantasy of reconciliation, but strength of will, family, alcohol and laughter among those who call themselves "the limbo people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by strength of will" when you want to emphasize that someone achieved something primarily through their mental and emotional power, rather than external help or resources.

Common error

While acceptable, "by strength of will" can sometimes sound slightly dramatic in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "through determination" or "by sheer resolve" for a more understated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by strength of will" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing how an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it describing the manner in which someone achieves a goal or overcomes an obstacle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by strength of will" is a correct and usable phrase to describe achieving something through determination and mental fortitude. Ludwig's analysis indicates it functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily emphasizing internal resolve. While grammatical and acceptable, consider the context as alternatives might be more suitable for formal writing. The phrase appears with notable frequency in News & Media and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by force of will

Similar to the original, but with a stronger emphasis on internal power.

through sheer willpower

Emphasizes the use of mental energy to overcome obstacles; more direct.

through force of character

Highlights the role of inherent qualities in achieving goals.

by inner resolve

Emphasizes internal motivation and decision.

by dint of determination

Focuses on persistent effort and resolve.

with steely determination

Highlights the unyielding and firm nature of the resolve.

with unwavering resolve

Highlights the steadfastness and firmness of purpose.

through personal fortitude

Focuses on courage and endurance in the face of adversity.

through sheer tenacity

Emphasizes persistence and determination; slightly more formal.

through sheer grit

Emphasizes courage and resolve; more informal.

FAQs

How can I use "by strength of will" in a sentence?

You can use "by strength of will" to describe someone overcoming a challenge through their own mental fortitude. For example, "She completed the marathon "by strength of will", pushing through the pain."

What are some alternatives to "by strength of will"?

Alternatives include "through sheer willpower", "by force of will", or "through sheer grit", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "by strength of will" the same as "by force of will"?

While similar, "by force of will" often suggests a more active and forceful exertion of one's power, while ""by strength of will"" can imply more enduring mental fortitude.

When is it appropriate to use "by strength of will" in writing?

It is appropriate when highlighting an individual's internal resolve as the primary driver of their success. Consider the context; alternatives might be more suitable for professional settings.