sign of strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sign of strength" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular action, behavior, or characteristic demonstrates power, resilience, or confidence. Example: "Admitting when you're wrong is often seen as a sign of strength, not weakness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's a sign of strength.

The New York Times

I believe it is a sign of strength.

University of California, Berkeley

It's a sign of strength and self-confidence".

The New York Times

Some argue the trade deficit is a sign of strength.

The New York Times

"Closing Guantánamo would be a sign of strength and resolve".

The New Yorker

Shooting the messenger is never a sign of strength.

The New York Times

Mercantilist governments may see this as a sign of strength.

The Economist

"Raising money is a sign of strength," Ms. Preckwinkle said.

The New York Times

Americans hold up the ability to go without sleep as a sign of strength.

University of California, Berkeley

Reaching out for help, as you've done by writing this letter, is a sign of strength.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They know asking for help is a sign of strength--and the key to achieving more.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sign of strength" to positively frame actions or qualities that are often misunderstood as weaknesses, such as asking for help or admitting vulnerability.

Common error

Don't mistake aggression or dominance for a true "sign of strength". Genuine strength often lies in qualities like empathy, adaptability, and resilience, not merely in displays of power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of strength" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in attributing a quality or action to resilience, courage, or power. The phrase positively frames actions that are often misunderstood as weaknesses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of strength" is a versatile noun phrase used to positively frame actions and characteristics often perceived as weaknesses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's particularly common in news and media, as well as academic contexts, to challenge conventional notions of strength. Recognizing qualities like vulnerability and help-seeking as genuine "sign of strength" promotes a more nuanced and empowering perspective. Remember that true strength often lies in resilience, adaptability, and empathy, not merely in displays of power or dominance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mark of resilience

Focuses on the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; highlights endurance.

indicator of power

Emphasizes the aspect of influence and control.

evidence of fortitude

Highlights courage and resilience in facing pain or adversity.

exhibition of resilience

Highlights the display of resilience in overcoming difficulties.

a display of courage

Focuses on bravery in the face of danger or adversity.

token of robustness

Emphasizes health and strong constitution.

symbol of tenacity

Highlights the quality of being determined and persistent.

attribute of resilience

Focuses on resilience as a characteristic or quality.

feature of toughness

Emphasizes the quality of being strong and durable.

manifestation of vigor

Highlights energy and enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "sign of strength" to describe an action or attribute that demonstrates resilience or courage. For example, "Seeking help during difficult times is a "sign of strength"."

What is an alternative to saying "sign of strength"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mark of resilience", "indicator of power", or "evidence of fortitude".

Is it correct to say "a sign of strength" or "sign of strength"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a sign of strength" is more common when referring to a specific instance. "Sign of strength" without the article is often used in a more general or abstract sense.

Is showing vulnerability a "sign of strength" or weakness?

Often, showing vulnerability can be a "sign of strength" because it requires courage and self-awareness. It contrasts with the misconception that strength means never showing weakness.