have a strong will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a strong will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses determination and resolve in pursuing their goals or making decisions. Example: "Despite the challenges she faced, her ability to have a strong will helped her achieve her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

They also have a strong will.

The Guardian - Sport

I think I have a strong will and determination.

The New York Times

"If you trust God and have a strong will, you can overcome any challenge," she said.

The New York Times

No one would want to work with someone who didn't have a strong will".

The New York Times

Mr. Doyle said he lost count of the people he killed: "You had to have a strong will to survive.

The New York Times

It's damn hard, but if you have a strong will like mine it's actually no problem at all.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In her paper, Dr. Levy speculated that people with positive age stereotypes have a stronger will to live, and that this might affect their ability to adapt to the rigors of older age.

The New York Times

But she has a strong will".

The New York Times - Sports

She has a strong will and it shows".

The New York Times - Sports

My dad has a strong will to challenge the status quo.

The New York Times

"Foreign judoka all had a strong will to fight," said Yamaguchi, using the collective term for judo fighters.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a strong will" to emphasize the importance of mental fortitude in achieving long-term goals.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "has a strong will" without providing specific examples of their determination or resilience. Show, don't just tell, by illustrating how their will manifests in their actions and decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a strong will" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. As Ludwig AI states, it describes someone who possesses determination and resolve. It serves to attribute a quality of mental fortitude to a person or entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a strong will" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone's determination and resolve. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and is found in a variety of contexts, predominantly in news and media sources. When writing, consider illustrating how someone's strong will manifests in their actions rather than simply stating it. Alternatives include "possess strong determination" or "exhibit unwavering resolve". Therefore, using "have a strong will" is appropriate when highlighting someone's ability to overcome challenges through mental fortitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an iron will

Uses a metaphor to describe a will that is unyielding and unbreakable.

demonstrate firm resolve

Focuses on the outward display of a solid and unwavering decision or intention.

possess a determined spirit

Emphasizes the inherent quality of determination within a person's character rather than the active exercise of will.

exhibit unwavering resolve

Highlights the steadfast and persistent nature of one's determination in the face of obstacles.

be resolute in purpose

Stresses the clarity and fixity of one's goals and the commitment to achieving them.

maintain a steadfast commitment

Underscores the ongoing and unwavering dedication to a particular cause or goal.

display tenacity

Highlights the quality of being persistent and determined, especially in overcoming challenges.

show grit

Emphasizes courage and resolve combined with strength of character.

be single-minded

Focuses on the quality of having one clear aim or purpose, without distraction.

be purposeful

Highlights the quality of having a clear aim or intention.

FAQs

How can I use "have a strong will" in a sentence?

You can use "have a strong will" to describe someone's determination and resolve, for example: "Despite the challenges, she succeeded because she "had a strong will"".

What can I say instead of "have a strong will"?

You can use alternatives like "possess strong determination", "demonstrate firm resolve", or "exhibit unwavering resolve" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say someone "has a strong will and determination"?

While "will" and "determination" are similar, using both can emphasize the person's mental fortitude. However, consider whether the context already implies determination, and if so, using just "have a strong will" may suffice.

What's the difference between "have a strong will" and "be strong-willed"?

"Have a strong will" emphasizes the capacity for resolve, while "strong-willed" describes a character trait of being independent and determined. They are often interchangeable, but "strong-willed" is more directly descriptive of personality.