muscle through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muscle through" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of persevering or pushing through a difficult situation or task despite challenges or obstacles. Example: "Even though the project was challenging, we had to muscle through to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But you muscle through it," he said.

The New York Times

How did you muscle through it?

The New York Times

I think we wanted to just muscle through it".

The New York Times - Arts

Many other perfectly sane Europeans, with more muscle through their PR voting systems, will agree.

The Guardian - Business

At other times he used all of his influence to muscle through campaign proposals dear to the Republican base.

The New York Times

Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos helps the band muscle through the hustling finale Hot Seat, a classic swing-to-bop gallop.

The Guardian - Music

Try to muscle through some sort of regulation ensuring that women and men are employed in equal numbers?

The New Yorker

But they should know that any Republican attempt to muscle through a hard conservative agenda would lead to two more years of acrimony and paralysis.

The New York Times

But for all the skill and muscle through the first four hitters in the lineup, the Yankees are vulnerable from the fifth hitter on.

The New York Times - Sports

In other sports I have tried, like rock climbing and judo, I relied on fitness and determination to muscle through the initial awkwardness.

The New York Times - Arts

I taught evenings, and my students included a few in their 20's and 30's who had returned to campus to finally muscle through their remaining credits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muscle through" when you want to convey the idea of using determination and effort to overcome a difficult situation, even if it's not the most efficient or elegant solution. It implies a certain grit and resilience.

Common error

While "muscle through" is effective, avoid using it too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "persevere", "push forward", or "overcome" to maintain variety and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muscle through" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of overcoming a difficult situation or task with effort and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muscle through" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic verb phrase that signifies overcoming challenges with effort and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by numerous examples from news, science, and business contexts. While versatile, consider alternatives to avoid repetition. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various situations where perseverance is key. Remember, while "muscle through" suggests grit, be mindful of when a more strategic approach might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

push through

A direct synonym, highlighting the act of overcoming resistance to achieve a goal.

persevere through

Emphasizes continued effort despite difficulties, similar to "muscle through" but with a slightly more formal tone.

struggle through

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in the process.

plow through

Emphasizes relentless progress, often disregarding minor obstacles.

grind through

Focuses on the laborious and often unpleasant aspect of completing a task.

battle through

Suggests a more intense and confrontational approach to overcoming obstacles.

work through

Implies a systematic approach to resolving a problem or completing a task.

get through

A more general term for completing or surviving a difficult experience.

overcome

Focuses on the act of successfully dealing with or controlling a problem.

endure

Stresses the ability to withstand hardship or suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "muscle through" in a sentence?

You can use "muscle through" to describe overcoming a difficult situation with effort and determination. For example, "Despite the setbacks, we had to muscle through to finish the project on time".

What's a more formal alternative to "muscle through"?

More formal alternatives include "persevere", "persist", or "endure". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "muscling through"?

Yes, "muscling through" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. You can use it in continuous tenses, such as "They are muscling through the challenges".

What's the difference between "muscle through" and "push through"?

"Muscle through" and "push through" are very similar, both implying overcoming obstacles. "Muscle through" emphasizes effort and determination, while "push through" highlights the act of overcoming resistance. The choice often depends on the specific context.