mustering strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mustering strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to gathering or summoning one's physical or emotional strength, often in preparation for a challenge or difficult situation. Example: "Before the big presentation, she took a moment to herself, mustering strength to face the audience confidently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

The last time I had dinner with David, about six weeks before he died, he was so weak that it was impossible to imagine him mustering the strength to work.

The New York Times - Books

The show's most wrenching performance, of the Schwartz-Dietz song, "By Myself," Ms. Akers sang from the point of view of an isolated, emotionally shattered woman mustering the strength she has left to continue.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Harison recovered from a car accident that had badly injured his back in time to serve as the starter one last time in 2007, mustering enough strength to announce only the first couple of groups.

The New York Times - Sports

He used to drag his legs and have trouble mustering the strength to sign credit card bills; post stem-cell treatment, he can jog and take notes.

Forbes

Now, I like the closing lines of "Ulysses" a lot, and they certainly fit with one of the movie's central themes: mustering the strength of tired, old warriors.

Huffington Post

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

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mustering strength" when you want to convey a sense of effort and determination in accumulating or summoning power, whether physical or emotional.

Common error

Avoid using "mustering strength" in situations that don't require significant effort or resolve; opt for simpler phrasing like "getting ready" or "preparing" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mustering strength" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund in some contexts, describing the act of accumulating or summoning power. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mustering strength" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of gathering or summoning power or resolve, often in preparation for a challenging situation. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that the situation warrants the implication of effort and determination. Alternatives like "building resolve" or "gathering force" may be more appropriate in certain cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathering force

Focuses on the gradual increase of power or intensity, rather than the act of summoning it.

summoning resilience

Emphasizes the recovery aspect of strength, highlighting mental fortitude.

building resolve

Implies a gradual process of strengthening one's determination.

finding inner fortitude

Highlights the internal source of strength, focusing on mental and emotional resilience.

drawing on reserves

Suggests utilizing stored energy or resources for a specific purpose.

regaining vitality

Focuses on recovering lost energy and vigor, often after a period of depletion.

harnessing potential

Highlights the ability to control and use existing abilities or qualities.

mobilizing resources

Implies actively deploying available resources to achieve a specific goal.

steel oneself

Refers to preparing mentally and emotionally for something difficult or unpleasant.

fortifying oneself

Emphasizes the process of strengthening one's defenses against external threats or challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "mustering strength" to describe someone preparing for a challenge, like "Before the debate, she was "mustering strength" to face her opponent".

What are some alternatives to "mustering strength"?

Alternatives include "gathering force", "building resolve", or "summoning resilience", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "mustering up strength"?

While "mustering strength" is perfectly acceptable, "mustering up strength" can sound slightly redundant. It is generally more concise and impactful to simply use "mustering strength".

What's the difference between "mustering strength" and "finding strength"?

"Mustering strength" implies an active effort to gather or summon power that may be lacking, while "finding strength" suggests discovering existing but perhaps untapped resilience. The first is about preparation; the second is about recognition.