exercise of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise of will" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an instance of someone applying their will or determination to achieve a desired goal. For example, "Her exercise of will enabled her to overcome her fear of public speaking".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was an exercise of will and an antidote against "endless boredom".

The Guardian - Books

No genuine choice is ever simply a matter of the arbitrary exercise of will.

The Guardian - Opinion

He learned to overcome all forms of doubt through the exercise of will".

The New York Times - Books

Because intent, by definition, implies the exercise of will and power to achieve its ends, whereas desire implies mutuality and reciprocity for its gratification".

The Guardian - Opinion

The miracle and the mystery of Chaplin is that the work that results from this epic exercise of will is so playful.

The Guardian - Books

Most vividly of all, I recall the exercise of will required to divert the orbiting hand away from the scalp – because the last thing you want to do is draw attention to the fact that you are losing your stook.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The moral wrong of these exercises of will is intrinsic to them.

SEP

First come exercises of will that are sinful in themselves, and these are of two kinds.

SEP

Moral evil is evil that occurs through rational action — that is, through wrongful exercises of will on the part of rational beings.

SEP

All that is needed is action which will follow the exercise of political will – a sine qua non.

Unicef

Everything seemed easier now that it was an exercise of her will and not a stumbling in the darkness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exercise of will" when you want to emphasize the deliberate and effortful application of one's determination to achieve a specific goal or overcome an obstacle.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "exercise of will" in passive constructions can make your writing sound weak. Opt for active voice to highlight the agent performing the action. For example, instead of "Control was achieved through the exercise of will", write "She achieved control by exercising her will".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise of will" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of applying one's determination or volition. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Huffington Post

6%

Vice

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise of will" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes the deliberate application of one's determination to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When writing, use "exercise of will" to emphasize conscious effort and determination and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Related phrases such as "application of volition" and "display of willpower" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

application of volition

Emphasizes the act of applying one's power of choosing or determining.

display of willpower

Highlights the visible manifestation of inner strength and resolve.

assertion of control

Focuses on the act of declaring and maintaining authority or dominance.

manifestation of resolve

Stresses the demonstration of a firm decision or determination.

act of self-determination

Highlights the autonomous nature of the action, emphasizing freedom of choice.

expression of agency

Focuses on the capacity to act independently and make one's own free choices.

implementation of intention

Emphasizes the realization of a planned action or purpose.

pursuit of purpose

Highlights the active striving toward a specific aim or goal.

application of self-discipline

Focuses on the controlled and regulated use of one's own behavior to achieve a goal.

exertion of influence

Emphasizes the active use of power to affect someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise of will" to describe the act of using one's determination or willpower to achieve a goal. For example, "The athlete's "display of willpower" was evident as she pushed through the pain to finish the race".

What are some synonyms for "exercise of will"?

Some synonyms for "exercise of will" include "application of volition", "display of willpower", and "assertion of control".

Is "exercise of will" a formal or informal phrase?

"Exercise of will" is a neutral to formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In informal settings, simpler terms like "determination" or "resolve" may be preferred.

What is the difference between "exercise of will" and "effort of will"?

"Exercise of will" implies a more active and deliberate application of willpower, whereas "effort of will" simply refers to the exertion required. One requires "application of self-discipline" while the other describes the energy spent.