she willed it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she willed it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that someone desired or intended something strongly enough to bring it about. Example: "Despite the odds, she willed it to happen." Alternative expressions include "she desired it" and "she intended it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The question of her independent existence, of whether she had one, insisted on being asked, over and over, whether she willed it or not.

The New Yorker

Now she does what she pleases, including on this day, magenta streaks, three blunt tiers of bangs and an undershave that could turn her short hairdo into a mohawk if she willed it with strong gel.

The New York Times

When she was in Strawberry Switchblade, she hated the first note of Let Her Go with such a vengeance that she willed it to catch fire in the studio.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They don't move just because she wills it.

Los Angeles Times

She'd lost it.

The New York Times - Magazine

She'd done it again.

The New York Times

She'd had it her whole life.

The New Yorker

If she got it, she'll give it to you.

HuffPost

She will neglect it and it will be wasted.

SEP

She will love it, just because it's from you.

WikiHow

It's that she will take it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she willed it" sparingly to add a touch of literary or dramatic flair to your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound affected or pretentious.

Common error

Avoid using "she willed it" in contexts that require a more straightforward or factual tone. This phrase carries a sense of almost supernatural determination, which may be inappropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she willed it" functions as a declarative statement emphasizing the subject's determination and agency in causing a specific outcome. It highlights the power of the will in achieving a desired result. Ludwig indicates that it's used in contexts where someone's intent directly influences an event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she willed it" is grammatically correct, though rarely used, and serves to emphasize the subject's determination in achieving a specific outcome. Ludwig shows examples primarily within news and media contexts. The phrase carries a slightly elevated tone, lending itself to situations where a more impactful expression is desired. While semantically powerful, "she made it happen", "she brought it about" and "she was determined" can be used as alternatives in contexts that require a more straightforward or factual tone. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is perfectly acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she made it happen

This alternative focuses on the successful outcome achieved through effort.

she brought it about

This alternative highlights the causal effect of her actions in achieving a result.

she determined it

This alternative emphasizes the firmness of her decision and resolve.

she intended it to occur

This option focuses on her plan and expectation that something would happen.

she resolved to achieve it

This alternative underscores her firm decision and commitment to reaching a specific goal.

she was determined to make it so

This expresses a strong commitment to ensuring something happens.

she exerted her will to accomplish it

This highlights the active use of her willpower to bring something to fruition.

she set her mind to it

This emphasizes focus and determination as a means to achieve a goal.

she aspired for it to materialize

This option focuses on her desire and ambition for something to become real.

she purposed that it should be

This alternative emphasizes her deliberate intention for something to exist or happen.

FAQs

How can I use "she willed it" in a sentence?

Use "she willed it" to express that someone desired or intended something so strongly that they brought it about, often against considerable odds. For example, "Despite the challenges, she willed it to happen".

What are some alternatives to "she willed it"?

Alternatives include phrases like "she made it happen", "she brought it about", or "she was determined", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "she willed it" formal or informal?

"She willed it" leans towards a more formal or literary style. It is less common in everyday conversation and more suited for writing where a touch of drama or emphasis is desired.

When is it appropriate to use "she willed it"?

Use "she willed it" when you want to emphasize the power of someone's determination or willpower in achieving a particular outcome, especially when the odds were stacked against them.