expression of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of will" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an individual's choice or opinion about a specific issue or action. For example, "The expression of will by the majority of the population will ultimately determine the outcome of the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is the active human expression of will and determination to influence an outcome that drives democracy and voting.

The New York Times

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko offered his "sincere congratulations" to the Republican "and to the friendly American nation on democratic expression of will".

The Guardian

In a statement, President Petro Poroshenko offered "sincere congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected president of the United States and to the friendly American nation on democratic expression of will".

The Guardian

A military power cannot be measured only by the level of its defense budget, but expenditures are an indication of capabilities as well as an expression of will — or the lack of it.

The New York Times

In an opt out procedure, no active expression of will is present.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Consent requires an active expression of will to allow another to engage in a practise which would otherwise infringe upon an individual's rights.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

we find that all the procedure is represented primarily and pre-eminently as flowing from commands and expressions of will, not from direct acts.

Huffington Post

This is the ultimate expression of "My Will not Thy Will" in that, now limitless and boundless, we become our own deities.

Huffington Post

This week, the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said Russia "will respect the expression of the will of the Crimean people in the upcoming referendum".

The Guardian

"And I think that the will to create was an expression of the will to live, and survive, as human beings".

The Guardian

The prosecution is accusing the population of supporting me, and let me say that my behavior here is an expression of the will of the citizens as well, the will of the people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expression of will" to denote a conscious choice or intention, especially in formal contexts or when emphasizing the deliberate nature of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of will" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "choice" or "preference" are often more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of will" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the act of conveying a choice, intention, or determination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expression of will" is a noun phrase denoting a conscious choice or intention, often used in formal contexts such as news, science, and business. While grammatically correct, as verified by Ludwig, it's less common in informal settings where simpler terms are preferable. The phrase emphasizes intentionality, and alternatives like "manifestation of intent" or "declaration of purpose" can offer nuanced variations. Remember to reserve the phrase for situations where you wish to stress the deliberate nature of an action or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indication of choice

Points to a specific selection made from available options.

manifestation of intent

Focuses on the outward display of a specific intention.

act of volition

Highlights the deliberate and conscious choice made by an individual.

declaration of purpose

Emphasizes a formal announcement of one's aim or objective.

communication of intent

Emphasizes conveying one's plans or objectives to others.

demonstration of resolve

Indicates a clear display of firmness in one's decision or course of action.

exhibition of determination

Highlights the display of resolve and persistence.

disclosure of preference

Reveals a leaning toward a particular option or outcome.

articulation of desire

Focuses on verbally expressing what one wants or wishes for.

portrayal of decision

Highlights how a decision is represented or shown.

FAQs

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

Use "expression of will" to describe a deliberate choice or intention, such as, "Voting is a fundamental "expression of will" in a democracy."

What are some alternatives to "expression of will"?

Alternatives include "manifestation of intent", "declaration of purpose", or "act of volition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "expression of will" or "expression of the will"?

"Expression of will" is generally preferred. "Expression of the will" can sound more formal and less common in contemporary usage.

What's the difference between "expression of will" and "expression of desire"?

"Expression of will" implies a conscious choice or intention, while "expression of desire" refers to a wish or longing. Will involves intent to act; desire focuses on wanting something.