expressed a will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed a will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has articulated their desires, intentions, or decisions, often in legal or formal settings. Example: "The testator expressed a will to distribute their assets equally among their children."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The starting point for us was the finding that all twelve patients in the study expressed a will to be well informed throughout the disease, which is congruent with the findings of many other studies [[ 14- 16], and [ 17]].

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The highly charged angles, frenzied symbolism (a kitchen knife brandished, in a loving embrace, like a murder weapon), and overheated color palette evoke, from the calm façades of suburban respectability, a horde of violent impulses expressing a will to do more than survive — to live large as never before.

The New Yorker

He would instead divide and rotate the prerogative, giving "either men or women the casting vote for matters in which one or the other is more likely to express a will which conforms to reason.

SEP

As mine was the second attempt since he launched the initiative, many well-wishers have expressed a hope it will be third time lucky.

The Guardian

Rohan Kelley, a probate lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, said that a judge was not bound to agree with the wishes expressed in a will or a note.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if your mother-in-law's desire to walk her dog in the afterlife were formally expressed in a will, it is not certain that the courts would uphold it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Stilz argues that law omnilaterally imposes obligations on all only if it expresses a general will.

SEP

Assuming an action has moral worth only if it expresses a good will, such actions have no genuine 'moral worth'.

SEP

He argues that a dutiful action from any of these motives, however praiseworthy it may be, does not express a good will.

SEP

Secretary Perez took a Pollyannish stance when he stated: "Some have expressed a concern that regulation will thwart innovation.

TechCrunch

Prior to colonoscopy, all those expressing an interest, will be seen by a member of the research team who will answer any outstanding questions and seek consent.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressed a will" in legal contexts, ensure that the expression is clear, unambiguous, and properly documented to avoid disputes over interpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone has "expressed a will" based on circumstantial evidence. Ensure there is explicit communication or documentation of their intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed a will" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of conveying one's desires or intentions, particularly in formal or legal settings. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expressed a will" denotes the act of formally communicating one's intentions or desires. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, healthcare directives, or end-of-life planning. While grammatically sound and appropriate for formal use, alternative phrases like "articulated a desire" or "voiced an intention" may be more suitable for general communication. When precision and clarity are essential, especially in legal or official documentation, "expressed a will" is the preferred choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulated a desire

Replaces "expressed" with a more formal synonym and "will" with a softer term.

voiced an intention

Similar to "articulated a desire" but emphasizes the element of intention.

stated a preference

Indicates a choice between options, rather than a firm decision.

communicated a decision

Focuses on the act of communicating the decision, rather than its content.

made known their wishes

More emphatic and personalized, highlighting the individual's desires.

declared an intent

Emphasizes a formal or official declaration of purpose.

specified their demands

Highlights a firm set of requirements or conditions.

indicated a choice

More subtle and less forceful than "expressed a will."

revealed a determination

Focuses on the resolute nature of the expressed desire.

testified their wishes

Implies a formal or legal declaration of intent.

FAQs

What does it mean to "express a will"?

To "express a will" means to clearly communicate one's intentions, desires, or decisions, often in a formal or legal context, such as with end-of-life planning or testamentary documents.

How to use "expressed a will" in a sentence?

You can use "expressed a will" to indicate someone's stated intentions. For example: "The testator "expressed a will" to distribute their assets equally."

What can I say instead of "expressed a will"?

You can use alternatives like "articulated a desire", "voiced an intention", or "stated a preference depending on the context.

Is "expressed a will" formal or informal?

"Expressed a will" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in legal or official contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.