have the strength to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have the strength to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ability or capacity to endure or accomplish something challenging. Example: "Despite the difficulties she faced, she knew she had the strength to overcome any obstacle in her path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I didn't have the strength to do it.

The New York Times - Arts

"I didn't have the strength to continue," she told me.

The New Yorker

I just don't have the strength to do it".

The New York Times - Magazine

How did he have the strength to do it?

The Guardian - Music

Will the patriarch have the strength to resist?

The New York Times - Books

Doesn't have the strength to be president, in my opinion".

The Guardian

I admire people who have the strength to do it.

The Guardian

I didn't have the strength to confront it".

The New Yorker

But they do not have the strength to resist.

The Guardian

I have the strength to carry all of us.

The Washington Post

The artists don't believe they have the strength to change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have the strength to" when you want to emphasize not only the physical ability but also the mental and emotional resilience required to perform an action. It implies overcoming a challenge or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "have the strength to" solely for simple physical tasks. The phrase suggests a significant effort or overcoming a substantial obstacle, not just ordinary actions. Use it when there is an element of difficulty, resistance, or emotional toll involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have the strength to" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the subject's capacity or ability to perform a specific action or endure a particular situation. Ludwig AI shows that this ability can be physical, mental, or emotional, often suggesting a challenge or obstacle to overcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have the strength to" is a versatile expression used to indicate the capacity to perform an action, especially when facing a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. It's suitable for various contexts, but should be reserved for situations where there's a notable effort or adversity involved. Alternatives include "be able to", "be capable of", and "have the fortitude to", each offering slightly different nuances. Avoiding overuse in trivial contexts will ensure its impact remains significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess the ability to

Replaces "strength" with a more general term, "ability", focusing on inherent capability.

have the capacity to

Substitutes "strength" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential to perform.

be capable of

Uses an adjective phrase to convey the ability to do something.

be able to

A simple and direct way to express the ability or power to do something.

have the fortitude to

Replaces "strength" with "fortitude", highlighting courage and resilience.

have the resilience to

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

find the courage to

Emphasizes the mental or emotional strength needed.

muster the energy to

Highlights the physical or mental energy required.

be empowered to

Focuses on being given the power or authority to act.

have what it takes to

An idiomatic expression meaning to possess the necessary qualities or skills.

FAQs

How can I use "have the strength to" in a sentence?

Use "have the strength to" when you want to convey that someone possesses the necessary physical, mental, or emotional capacity to overcome a challenge or perform a difficult task. For example: "She didn't "have the strength to confront it"".

What are some alternatives to "have the strength to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be capable of", "be able to", or "have the fortitude to". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize general ability, or courage.

Is it more appropriate to say "have the strength to" or "have the courage to"?

The choice between "have the strength to" and "have the courage to" depends on the specific context. "Have the strength to" implies possessing the necessary power, whether physical, mental, or emotional, to do something, while "have the courage to" specifically emphasizes bravery and willingness to face fear or danger.

What's the difference between "have the strength to" and "have the stamina to"?

"Have the strength to" implies possessing the necessary power or ability to do something, often in the face of adversity. "Have the stamina to", on the other hand, suggests the endurance and resilience needed to sustain effort over a prolonged period.