gathered the strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathered the strength" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone has mustered their courage or resolve to face a challenge or difficult situation. Example: "After weeks of doubt and fear, she finally gathered the strength to confront her fears and pursue her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She told me she didn't know how she gathered the strength to leave, but she did.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was sentenced Wednesday, and victims have formed a bond as they gathered the strength to face him in court.

The New York Times

It is hard not to connect this with the current foreboding that the influenza virus must surely by now have gathered the strength to strike again.

The Guardian - Opinion

A breach of the 28 level could signal that the stock has finally gathered the strength needed to continue to uptrend.

Forbes

"Our campaign has gathered the strength of a movement," Romney said on Sunday night.

Huffington Post

Having quelled the Hyrcanian revolt, Vologases I gathered the strength of his dominions and embarked toward Armenia.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On occasion this recreational swimmer can gather the strength to be a hero, sometimes not.

The New York Times

"Staying alive allows us to gather the strength as drops of water to form a great ocean," it said.

The Guardian

Even in the midst of her struggle with cancer, she would gather the strength to walk to Central Park to feed the birds.

The New York Times

Now there are those who in a lifetime cannot leave a woman who cannot gather the strength or get past the sentiment but Canavan left them every day.

The New Yorker

These plants must spend the summer in sunshine to gather the strength to flower, but once they begin to bloom they will keep going, even in north light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gathered the strength", ensure the context clearly indicates what challenge or situation required this strength. This provides a clearer understanding of the accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "the strength was gathered", which weakens the impact. Instead, use active voice: "she gathered the strength."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered the strength" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. It describes the action of someone summoning or mustering the necessary fortitude to face a challenge. Ludwig shows various instances of its use in describing overcoming adversity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gathered the strength" serves as a versatile verb phrase indicating the act of mustering inner resources to overcome a challenge. As shown in Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and while the phrase is not extremely common, it is used across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Wiki content. When using the phrase, ensure that the challenge requiring the strength is clearly defined to maximize impact. While alternatives exist for nuanced expression, this construction aptly conveys resilience and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mustered the strength

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to assemble and use one's strength.

summoned the fortitude

Highlights the mental and emotional strength needed to overcome adversity.

found the resilience

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

acquired the power

Suggests gaining strength through external means or personal development.

developed the stamina

Implies building endurance over time to withstand challenges.

managed to rally

Indicates a recovery of strength after a period of weakness.

got the willpower

Highlights the determination and self-control required.

built up the resistance

Emphasizes gradual increase in ability to withstand hardship.

pulled oneself together

Focuses on regaining composure and inner strength.

toughened up

Implies becoming more resilient and less susceptible to emotional or physical pain.

FAQs

How can I use "gathered the strength" in a sentence?

You can use "gathered the strength" to describe someone finding the inner resolve to face a difficult situation. For example: "After a moment of hesitation, she "gathered the strength" to speak her mind."

What are some alternatives to "gathered the strength"?

Alternatives include "mustered the strength", "summoned the fortitude", or "found the resilience", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "gathered the strength" in formal writing?

Yes, "gathered the strength" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing overcoming adversity or demonstrating resilience. However, consider alternatives for specific emotional or physical contexts.

What's the difference between "gathered the strength" and "found the strength"?

"Gathered the strength" implies an active process of collecting inner resources. "Found the strength" suggests discovering a pre-existing but perhaps latent ability. Both express resilience, but their emphasis differs.