muster the strength

USAGE SUMMARY

'muster the strength' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone gaining or trying to gain the ability to do something, usually something that involves a lot of effort. For example: "As the days went on, I had to muster the strength to face the challenge ahead of me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Chávez even mustered the strength to address his followers Monday afternoon from the balcony of the presidential palace.

The New York Times

After eating some crackers and cheese, I mustered the strength to go on from Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak — 19,340".

The New Yorker

For nine weeks, our lady of the overflowing wine glass has barely mustered the strength for a waspish put-down.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even in his last months, the cardinal mustered the strength to speak out against Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's plans to require the homeless to work for their shelter.

The New York Times

From those who have mustered the strength to soldier on and gain independence, to those still trapped in the lives that made them street corner targets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muster the strength" when you want to describe someone summoning the necessary power or resolve to overcome a challenge, especially when they are feeling depleted or weak.

Common error

Avoid using "muster the strength" when the context strictly involves acquiring a skill or knowledge. This phrase typically applies to situations requiring physical or emotional power to overcome adversity. Instead of saying "He had to muster the strength to learn the new software", try "He had to dedicate himself to learning the new software".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muster the strength" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a larger predicate. It describes the act of summoning or gathering the necessary power or resolve to perform an action or face a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muster the strength" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the act of summoning or gathering the necessary power to overcome a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "summon the courage" or "find the energy" exist, "muster the strength" is especially fitting when emphasizing the deliberate effort to harness inner resources in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summon the courage

Focuses on emotional fortitude rather than physical power.

gather one's resources

Implies collecting available means, not solely physical might.

dig deep

Implies pushing past limits, often emotionally or mentally.

get up the nerve

Refers to summoning the courage for something daunting.

screw up your courage

Highlights mental preparation for something difficult.

find the energy

Emphasizes vitality and vigor as opposed to raw power.

steel oneself

Focuses on mental preparation for difficulty.

rally one's forces

Suggests mobilizing collective power, not individual capability.

draw upon reserves

Highlights utilizing stored power, rather than generating it.

brace oneself

Suggests preparing for impact, physically or emotionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "muster the strength" to describe someone finding the power or resolve needed to face a difficult situation. For instance, "After the illness, she had to muster the strength to return to work".

What does it mean to "muster the strength"?

To "muster the strength" means to gather or summon the necessary power, energy, or courage to do something, especially when facing a challenge or hardship.

What are some alternatives to "muster the strength"?

Alternatives to "muster the strength" include phrases like "summon the courage", "gather one's resources", or "find the energy", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "muster the strength" and "gather strength" are valid, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Muster the strength" implies an immediate need to summon power for a specific task, while "gather strength" suggests a more gradual accumulation of power or resilience.