made of stern stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "made of stern stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a person or thing that is strong or determined in a difficult situation. For example, "She was made of stern stuff—she remained focused and kept going, no matter how hard the challenge became."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Robertson, 28, is made of stern stuff.

Independent

The Yorkshireman is made of stern stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Bottum is made of stern stuff.

The Guardian

But Abramovich's team are made of stern stuff.

Independent

McLean's teams were always made of stern stuff, however.

The Guardian - Sport

Salford, however, is made of stern stuff and commitment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But Jordan is made of sterner stuff.

Independent

Barcelona, however, is made of sterner stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

Academia should be made of sterner stuff.

The New York Times

Thankfully, Ted is made of sterner stuff.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Are Midwesterners made of sterner stuff?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made of stern stuff" when you want to emphasize someone's resilience and determination in the face of challenges. It suggests an admirable quality of being able to withstand pressure and hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "made of stern stuff" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving genuine adversity or significant challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made of stern stuff" functions as an adjective phrase that typically modifies a noun, describing the qualities of that noun. Ludwig's examples show its application to people, teams, and even abstract entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made of stern stuff" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that is resilient, determined, and strong in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. While frequently appearing in news and media, it's not overly formal making it applicable to different contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to avoid trivializing its meaning. Alternative phrases like "possessing great fortitude" or "displaying remarkable resilience" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of strong character

Refers to the overall moral and mental strength of a person.

displaying remarkable resilience

Highlights the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

demonstrating toughness

Stresses the ability to endure hardship and resist pressure.

possessing inner strength

Focuses on the internal resources that allow someone to cope with challenges.

possessing great fortitude

Emphasizes mental and emotional strength in facing adversity.

showing unwavering spirit

Highlights an indomitable and persistent attitude.

exhibiting unwavering resolve

Focuses on the firmness and determination to achieve a goal.

having a backbone

Suggests courage and the ability to stand up for oneself or one's beliefs.

built to last

Implies durability and resistance to wear or damage, both physically and metaphorically.

difficult to break

Emphasizes resistance to being defeated or demoralized.

FAQs

How to use "made of stern stuff" in a sentence?

You can use "made of stern stuff" to describe a person, team, or even an organization that demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of adversity. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team proved they were "made of stern stuff" and continued to fight".

What does "made of stern stuff" mean?

"Made of stern stuff" means possessing strength, determination, and resilience in the face of difficulties. It implies an ability to withstand pressure and overcome challenges.

What can I say instead of "made of stern stuff"?

You can use alternatives like "possessing great fortitude", "displaying remarkable resilience", or "of strong character" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "made of stern stuff" in formal writing?

While "made of stern stuff" is acceptable in neutral writing, it might be considered slightly informal for highly academic or formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "exhibiting unwavering resolve" or "demonstrating toughness".