have volition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have volition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the ability or capacity to make choices or decisions independently. Example: "Humans are unique in that they have volition, allowing them to make choices that shape their lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The New Yorker

SEP

Huffington Post

The Guardian

The New York Times

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Economist

TechCrunch

Forbes

BBC

Unicef

BMC Women's Health

BMC Public Health

Science Magazine

Consciousness and Cognition

BMC Health Services Research

Independent

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even if caregivers perceive stressors as a challenge and have volition to cope with stressors, we must consider the possibility that recovery from crisis may not occur among caregivers of patients with chronic illness.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So already there's a question about whether the golem has volition, or whether it's a body without a soul, a kind of automaton.

The New Yorker

Other commentators have countered that Arnauld was correct in thinking that Malebranche's claim in Nature et grâce that God acts by relatively few general volitions involves a rejection of the position that He has volitions for each particular effect.

SEP

However, Rackauckas and his prosecutors maintained that Perez had come forward of his own volition, having become so personally troubled by Dekraai's revelations that he felt compelled to speak up.

Huffington Post

The book is not perfect, its manic energy precludes tidiness; it has its own volition, and editorial neatness would have made it sludge.

The Guardian

They have their own volition almost".

The New York Times

Mr. Devillers, who claims he returned here on his own volition, has told French officials that he is helping in the investigation of Ms. Gu.

The New York Times

J.P. A decade ago the pianist Eric Lewis was that rare thing: a promising young musician who, of his own volition, had stepped away from a coveted post in the house orchestra of Wynton Marsalis's Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Mandela's chosen replacement, Mr Mbeki, was not considered worthy of the award despite leaving office of his own volition, having lost control of the ANC in a bruising power struggle with Mr Zuma.

Independent

He walked out into central government custody a day later, reportedly of his own volition, having told the Americans about the murder of a British businessman allegedly involving the wife of Bo Xilai, the party chief of nearby Chongqing.

The Economist

In the first instance it is accepted that the consumer, of his own volition, has a need that is filled by the description of the advertised product (but not necessarily by the product itself), whereas in the second the need is artificial and is stimulated entirely by the media.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like freedom, choice, or motivation, "have volition" can provide a nuanced way to express the capacity for independent action and decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "have volition" when simply expressing a wish or preference. "Volition" implies a deliberate act of will, not just a fleeting desire. Ensure the context involves conscious choice and intentional action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have volition" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the possession or exercise of will. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the ability to make independent choices, aligning with the broader concept of agency and self-determination. Ludwig AI supports this as a valid grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

3%

Science Magazine

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have volition" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the capacity for independent action and conscious choice. Although Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase, it is relatively rare in occurrence and leans towards a formal or scientific register. It appears more frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts, suggesting its relevance in discussions around autonomy, free will, and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have intent

Focuses more on the purpose or aim behind an action, rather than the freedom to choose.

have intention

Similar to "have intent", emphasizing the planned nature of an action.

have free will

A more philosophical term referring to the ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded.

possess agency

Highlights the capacity to act independently and make one's own choices.

have desire

Emphasizes the wanting or wishing aspect of volition, rather than the action.

have willpower

Highlights the mental strength to control one's own actions and impulses.

have the option

Focuses on the availability of choices, rather than the internal drive to act.

have the choice

Similar to "have the option", emphasizing the existence of alternatives.

have self-determination

Highlights the power to control one's own life and make one's own decisions.

have autonomy

Emphasizes the independence and freedom from external control.

FAQs

How can I use "have volition" in a sentence?

Use "have volition" to indicate that someone or something possesses the ability to make their own choices and act according to their own will. For example, "Even if caregivers perceive stressors as a challenge and "have volition" to cope with stressors, we must consider the possibility that recovery from crisis may not occur among caregivers of patients with chronic illness."

What does it mean to "have volition"?

To "have volition" means to possess the power of using one's will, implying the ability to make conscious decisions and control one's actions independently. It suggests a capacity for self-determination and agency.

What can I say instead of "have volition"?

You can use alternatives like "possess agency", "have free will", or "have self-determination" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say someone "has their own volition"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying someone "has their own volition" can be redundant, as "volition" inherently implies ownership and individual will. Saying someone simply ""have volition"" is generally sufficient.