it took determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took determination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that achieving a goal or overcoming a challenge required a strong will or perseverance. Example: "Completing the marathon was not easy; it took determination to train every day despite the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I will not shirk that," and retorted that it took determination to complete a project of this size.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It takes determination.

The Guardian

It takes determination to go through with it.

The Guardian

The reality is it takes determination to drive a reform through.

The Guardian

It takes determination to stick to a style that is less popular.

The New York Times - Food

Critics are silenced or ignored, but it takes determination to push the behemoth that is a national broadcaster to an integrity-based decision.

Independent

As western governments have learned, it takes determination and cunning to find ways of easing the pain inflicted on ordinary people in a sanctioned country without giving comfort to their ruler.The UN's oil-for-food programme, designed to ensure that Iraqi oil revenue is spent on humanitarian needs, has that purpose in mind.

The Economist

It takes determination, experience, research, timing and hard work to start a business.

BBC

It takes determination, skill, stamina and sometimes mental acuity.

Vice

Like other disciplines, it takes determination, practice, and refinement -- and continual improvement.

Huffington Post

It takes determination, informed planning and time to successfully break into a new market.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "determination" with a more specific synonym if the context allows for greater precision, such as "perseverance", "resolve", or "tenacity".

Common error

Avoid using "it took determination" without specifying what action or goal required that determination. For example, instead of just saying "It took determination", clarify with something like "It took determination to complete the project on time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took determination" functions as a statement emphasizing the necessity of resolve or willpower to accomplish a specific task or overcome a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it took determination" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to highlight the necessity of resolve, willpower, and persistence in achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to clearly specify what the determination was for to avoid vagueness. Consider replacing "determination" with synonyms like "resolve", "perseverance", or "tenacity" for greater precision. The phrase is suitable for conveying the effort needed to overcome challenges, as seen in examples from reliable sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times and the BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determination was needed

Emphasizes the requirement of determination in a more passive voice.

resolve was required

Uses "resolve" instead of "determination", focusing on firmness of purpose.

it demanded perseverance

Highlights the need for continuous effort and persistence.

effort was essential

Focuses on the importance of expended energy and work.

courage was necessary

Emphasizes the bravery or valor required.

it called for tenacity

Stresses the quality of being unyielding and persistent.

strength of will was key

Highlights the importance of willpower.

grit was indispensable

Emphasizes the need for toughness and resilience.

it necessitated fortitude

Uses "fortitude" to suggest strength in facing adversity.

perseverance was paramount

Highlights that perseverance was of utmost importance

FAQs

What does "it took determination" mean?

The phrase "it took determination" means that a certain amount of resolve, willpower, and persistence was needed to accomplish something or overcome a challenge. It suggests that the task was not easy and required significant effort and commitment.

How can I use "it took determination" in a sentence?

You can use "it took determination" to highlight the effort required to achieve a goal. For example: "It took determination to finish the marathon despite the injury." or "It took determination to start my own business."

What are some alternatives to "it took determination"?

Some alternatives include /s/resolve+was+required, /s/perseverance+was+needed or /s/effort+was+essential. These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the effort and commitment required.

Is "it takes determination" grammatically different from "it took determination"?

Yes. "It takes determination" implies that determination is generally required for something, while "it took determination" indicates that determination was specifically required in a past instance. The first is a general statement, the second refers to a particular event.