muster strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muster strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to gathering or summoning inner strength or courage, often in challenging situations. Example: "In times of adversity, we must learn to muster strength and face our fears head-on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The Taliban can still muster strength in places and there are a lot of unknowns there," added a senior NATO officer, speaking about Nuristan on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record on the matter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But even worse, the tormented knight complained, sometimes it chose a secret, protected hiding place; in this "castle" it would remain unnoticed, quietly mustering strength in order to attack and "pour itself" again into all areas of the body at some unexpected moment.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

She couldn't muster the strength to brush her teeth.

The New York Times

Zhao said that she would try to muster the strength to go back.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unlike the ultrathins, it cannot play high-definition movies or muster the strength to edit video or pictures.

The New York Times - Tech

As thrilled as we were to see McBride, neither of us could muster the strength to get a closer look.

The New York Times - Travel

I'm glad to see him portrayed this way, and think he'll help us muster the strength for the battles that lie ahead.

The New York Times

By the time he's finished, you can barely muster the strength to brew him six cups of tea and break out the biscuits.

Independent

IT IS one thing to see Russia's hand in the disruption in eastern Ukraine, quite another to muster the strength to arm-wrestle it back.

The Economist

Nevertheless, Mr González's detractors are unlikely to muster the strength to oust him.Like Mr Botín, Mr González has been winning high marks from analysts.

The Economist

After a while, he tried to drop the traps in the water again, but he no longer seemed able to muster his strength.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muster strength" when you want to convey the idea of gathering or summoning inner resources, will, or courage to face a challenge or undertake a difficult task.

Common error

Don't use "muster strength" for trivial situations. This phrase carries a weight of effort and resolve, so reserve it for scenarios where genuine effort and inner fortitude are required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muster strength" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "muster" acts as a transitive verb taking "strength" as its object. It describes the action of gathering or summoning inner resources. Ludwig AI indicates this is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "muster strength" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies the act of gathering or summoning inner resources to overcome challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and frequently encountered phrase, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "summon courage" or "dig deep" exist, "muster strength" specifically emphasizes the mobilization of internal fortitude. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where genuine effort and resolve are truly required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw upon inner resources

More explicitly refers to utilizing internal reserves of strength and resilience.

summon courage

Focuses on the emotional aspect of bravery needed in a challenging situation.

dig deep

Suggests an intensive effort to find inner strength or hidden resources.

find resilience

Highlights the act of recovering quickly from difficulties and regaining strength.

marshal resources

Implies a more organized and strategic deployment of available resources.

gather resources

Emphasizes the collection of necessary assets, not necessarily internal, to achieve a goal.

fortify oneself

Emphasizes preparing and strengthening oneself against potential adversity.

build momentum

Implies gradually increasing strength or force over time.

consolidate power

Focuses on reinforcing and securing existing authority or influence.

recharge batteries

Informal expression suggesting renewal of energy and vitality.

FAQs

How can I use "muster strength" in a sentence?

You can use "muster strength" to describe gathering inner resources to face a challenge, such as, "After the loss, she had to "muster strength" to carry on".

What are some alternatives to "muster strength"?

Alternatives include "summon courage", "gather resources", or "dig deep", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "muster strength" or "gather strength"?

"Muster strength" and "gather strength" are similar, but "muster strength" often implies a more conscious and deliberate effort to summon inner resources for a specific purpose.

What does it mean to "muster your strength"?

To "muster your strength" means to summon or gather your physical, mental, or emotional resources in order to face a challenge, perform a task, or cope with a difficult situation.