pretty strong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty strong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite powerful or intense, often in a subjective context. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was pretty strong, leading the jury to a quick decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's pretty strong stuff.

The New Yorker

That's pretty strong stuff".

The New York Times

Growth is pretty strong.

The Economist

"It's pretty strong".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's pretty strong".

The New York Times

Pretty strong stuff.

The Guardian

I felt pretty strong.

The New York Times - Sports

Those are pretty strong words.A.

The New York Times

Lisbeth is pretty strong herself.

The New York Times

Politically, they were pretty strong.

The New York Times

Pretty strong — not terribly accurate — but pretty strong.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty strong" to describe qualities that are noticeably above average but not at the highest extreme. This phrase is ideal for conveying a moderate level of intensity or strength.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty strong" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "considerably robust" or "remarkably resilient" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty strong" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a notable degree of strength or intensity. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used across various contexts to describe everything from arguments and passwords to physical capabilities and economic growth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty strong" is a versatile and widely used expression to describe something that is noticeably above average in strength or intensity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's best to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Keep in mind the subtle difference between "pretty strong" and "very strong", using the former to indicate a moderate level of strength. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "pretty strong" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite robust

Indicates a considerable level of strength or durability.

fairly powerful

Emphasizes the power or forcefulness of something.

considerably sturdy

Highlights the structural integrity and resilience.

relatively potent

Suggests a significant effect or impact.

moderately resilient

Implies an ability to recover or withstand adverse conditions to a certain extent.

reasonably forceful

Indicates a good level of impact or strength.

noticeably tough

Emphasizes the resilience and durability.

distinctly vigorous

Highlights the energy and intensity.

appreciably firm

Suggests a solid and unyielding quality.

markedly resilient

Highlights an ability to bounce back or withstand pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty strong" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty strong" to describe something that is noticeably powerful or intense, such as "The evidence presented in the case was pretty strong, leading the jury to a quick decision."

What are some alternatives to "pretty strong"?

You can use alternatives like "quite robust", "fairly powerful", or "considerably sturdy", depending on the specific context.

Is "pretty strong" too informal for business writing?

While "pretty strong" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal in some business contexts. Consider using "relatively potent" or "moderately resilient" for a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "pretty strong" instead of "very strong"?

"Pretty strong" suggests a level of intensity that is less than "very strong". Use "pretty strong" when you want to indicate something is above average but not at the highest level, whereas "very strong" indicates near the highest level of intensity or power.