pockets of strength

USAGE SUMMARY

"pockets of strength" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to places or situations where strength or support can be found even in times of difficulty. For example, "The survivors of the earthquake found pockets of strength in each other, allowing them to keep going no matter what."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Some pockets of strength remain.

The New York Times

The Reporter still has pockets of strength.

The New York Times

BP did have pockets of strength.

The New York Times

There are pockets of strength.

The New York Times

"There are pockets of strength across the board," he said.

The New York Times

Still, Opera has pockets of strength in some fast-growing Internet markets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A pocket of strength, noted Mr. Sanders of Warner, was video-on-demand, which took in $420 million for the quarter, jumping ahead of video stores.

The New York Times

One pocket of strength in the market that is catching Lehmann's attention is energy.

Forbes

Meanwhile, the bond market, a deep pocket of strength, turned negative, but year-to-date returns approximate 7%.

Forbes

Halfway through the trading day, the Dow was being held down by Wal-Mart, after Goldman Sachs downgraded the retail giant based on valuation, but Citigroup was a pocket of strength, after saying it set plans to separate its research and retail business into a new unit.

Forbes

Booming trade has been the one pocket of strength.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pockets of strength" to offer a nuanced perspective, acknowledging both weaknesses and positive aspects within a system or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "pockets of strength" without providing context. Simply stating that something has "pockets of strength" is vague and doesn't offer valuable insight. Always specify where those "pockets of strength" are located and what makes them strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pockets of strength" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies specific areas or aspects that exhibit positive performance or resilience within a larger context that may be struggling. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pockets of strength" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe localized areas of positive performance within a larger, potentially challenging context. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is readily understandable and the phrase is suitable for a variety of professional and neutral registers. Best practices include specifying what kind of strength you are referring to. Common contexts include news, business, and analytical discussions. The phrase effectively provides a balanced perspective by acknowledging both difficulties and areas of success, contributing valuable nuance to the overall analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

islands of resilience

Focuses on resilience rather than strength, implying an ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

spots of vigor

Replaces "strength" with "vigor", highlighting the energy and enthusiasm present in certain areas.

areas of capability

Shifts the focus to specific skills or abilities that are present in certain areas.

centers of excellence

Highlights areas that are not just strong, but also represent a high standard of quality and skill.

points of stability

Emphasizes the steadiness and reliability found in specific areas, instead of raw power.

outposts of success

Suggests isolated areas where positive outcomes are being achieved, despite a more widespread struggle.

sources of power

Focuses on the origin of strength and influence, instead of just its existence.

fragments of robustness

Implies that the strength is not whole or complete, but rather exists in small, scattered parts.

segments of invigoration

Suggests parts of the system that provide invigoration and revitalization.

reserves of fortitude

Emphasizes a hidden or untapped capacity for endurance and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "pockets of strength" in a sentence?

You can use "pockets of strength" to describe specific areas or aspects that are performing well despite overall challenges. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, there are "pockets of strength" in the technology sector".

What's a good alternative to "pockets of strength"?

Alternatives include "islands of resilience", "spots of vigor", or "areas of capability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a pocket of strength" instead of "pockets of strength"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A pocket of strength" refers to a single, isolated area, while "pockets of strength" indicates multiple areas.

How does "pockets of strength" differ from "signs of recovery"?

"Pockets of strength" indicates areas that are currently performing well, while "signs of recovery" suggests potential future improvement. "Pockets of strength" shows current, tangible areas of strong performance while "signs of recovery" hints at a future upturn.