earned strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earned strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe strength or resilience that has been gained through experience, effort, or overcoming challenges. Example: "Through years of hard work and perseverance, she developed an earned strength that inspired those around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By contrast, Hollande wears his previous indignations proudly, as a mark of earned strength.

The New York Times - Magazine

What I see is her eyes, which at 100 were the sparkling blue of intense young intelligence burning with earned strength, wisdom and discernment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sharp wit and inner strength earned him the adoration and respect of everyone he knew throughout his life.

The New York Times

It is an idea realized by immigrants and sustained by strength earned, in most cases, from great travail.

Huffington Post

"Jack Burroughs has gone from strength to strength and earned the good run he's had in the number 15 shirt during the second half of the season.

BBC

Naturally, they earned it on the strength of their defense.

The New York Times

Comparisons to bonefish in terms of their skittishness and strength have earned carp the nickname golden ghost.

The New York Times - Sports

Those are relatively small numbers for Exxon, which last year earned $45.22 billion on the strength of record-high oil prices.

The New York Times

Along the way, Cotto has earned millions on the strength of his reputation for taking on the toughest fighters of his generation, and Trout was no exception.

The New York Times - Sports

The company's strong performance has earned it a relative strength of 89 over the past year (meaning it has outperformed 89% of all other stocks), plus its price-to-sales ratio is just 0.91.

Forbes

Posttenure, Schwarz's focus has been on science education -- but she earned tenure on the strength of publications, many of them as last author, in top physics publications including Physical Review Letters.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earned strength" to highlight personal growth. It's effective in narratives that emphasize overcoming adversity and developing resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "earned strength" when referring to inherent qualities. This phrase implies a quality developed over time through specific experiences, not an innate trait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earned strength" functions as a noun phrase, where "earned" modifies "strength", indicating a specific type of strength acquired through experience or effort. Ludwig examples support this usage, showing it describes a quality gained over time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earned strength" is a noun phrase used to describe a specific type of strength developed through experience or effort. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and relatively rare. It often appears in News & Media. When using this phrase, be mindful to use it when referring to qualities developed over time and not inherent traits. Consider alternatives like "gained fortitude" or "developed resilience" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hard-won resilience

Emphasizes resilience gained through difficult experiences, suggesting a stronger ability to recover.

Gained fortitude

Highlights mental and emotional strength acquired through facing adversity.

Developed resilience

Focuses on the process of becoming resilient over time.

Acquired toughness

Highlights a robust and durable nature that has been developed.

Cultivated resilience

Suggests a deliberate and nurtured development of resilience.

Seasoned resilience

Implies that resilience has been improved through a long period of difficulty.

Experience-based strength

Highlights the role of experience in building inner strength.

Battle-tested resilience

Uses a metaphor of battle to represent challenges overcome, emphasizing resilience.

Strength through adversity

Directly states that strength is a result of challenging situations.

Toughness forged in fire

Implies that toughness has been significantly improved through testing circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "earned strength" in a sentence?

You can use "earned strength" to describe resilience or fortitude gained through experience or overcoming challenges. For example, "Through years of hard work, she displayed an "earned strength" that inspired her colleagues."

What are some alternatives to "earned strength"?

Alternatives include "hard-won resilience", "gained fortitude", or "developed resilience", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "earned strength" the same as "innate strength"?

"Earned strength" refers to strength developed over time through experience and challenges, while "innate strength" refers to qualities someone is born with. They are not interchangeable.

What distinguishes "earned strength" from general "strength"?

"Strength" is a general term, while "earned strength" specifically emphasizes that the strength was not inherent but rather developed or acquired through effort and experience. "Earned strength" is a more specific and descriptive term.