strength and depth

USAGE SUMMARY

"strength and depth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the qualities of something that you are discussing. For example, "The author's writing has great strength and depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His characters possess strength and depth.

The Economist

WEAKNESSES -- Strength and depth at defensive tackle.

The New York Times - Sports

"The strength and depth of the squad is hugely different from my playing days.

The Guardian - Sport

His intelligence, honesty, strength and depth of character will forever remain in our hearts.

The New York Times

Fairfield, a low-major program, was outclassed in size, strength and depth.

The New York Times - Sports

But a closer look at his support base raises questions about its strength and depth.

The Guardian

That should add to our strength and depth in the longer term".

The Guardian - Sport

"But if you look more closely, the strength and depth of the squads is incredible.

The New York Times - Sports

"One of the most pleasant surprises has been the strength and depth of the pitching staff," Lucchino said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to be greedy with what we have and we are always looking to improve in strength and depth.

The Guardian - Sport

Although he thought his parents' marriage loveless, he came to realize the strength and depth of their love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strength and depth" when describing a team, organization, or plan that possesses both a high level of capability and a large pool of resources to draw upon.

Common error

Avoid using "strength and depth" to describe something that only possesses one of these qualities. For example, a team with many players but low skill doesn't have "strength and depth"; it only has strength (in numbers).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "strength and depth" is that of a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the qualities of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to emphasize positive qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strength and depth" is a noun phrase used to describe something possessing both capability and ample resources. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and readily understood. The phrase is commonly used in news reporting and sports commentary to highlight the qualities of a team or organization. While variations exist, such as "strength in depth", they convey similar meanings. When employing "strength and depth", ensure the subject truly exhibits both qualities; otherwise, consider alternatives like "extensive resources" or "formidable capabilities" to more accurately reflect the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep bench

Refers to a team or organization with many talented substitutes or backups, focusing on personnel depth.

substantial reserves

Focuses on the availability of backup resources, implying readiness for unexpected demands.

robust resources

Emphasizes the solidity and reliability of available resources.

broad capabilities

Highlights the range of abilities, not necessarily the intensity or volume of such abilities.

ample capacity

Focuses more on the ability to accommodate demands, rather than a general availability of resources.

extensive resources

Emphasizes the availability of a wide array of resources rather than a combination of power and resources.

formidable capabilities

Focuses on impressive abilities rather than a combination of resources and power.

considerable expertise

Highlights the presence of significant knowledge and skill, shifting the focus from general resources to specialized capabilities.

comprehensive competence

Highlights a complete and thorough capability, potentially including more than mere skills.

solid foundation

Highlights the fundamental stability and preparedness of something, often referring to the base upon which further development can occur.

FAQs

How can "strength and depth" be used in a sentence?

You can use "strength and depth" to describe the qualities of a team, organization, or even an argument that is not only powerful but also comprehensive. For instance, "The company's success is due to the "strength and depth" of its research team".

What does "strength and depth" refer to?

"Strength" typically refers to the capability or power, while "depth" indicates the availability of resources or alternatives. The phrase implies a combination of both for robustness.

What are some alternatives to "strength and depth"?

Alternatives include "extensive resources", "formidable capabilities", or "deep bench" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "strength in depth" the same as "strength and depth"?

Yes, "strength in depth" is a common variant that carries essentially the same meaning as "strength and depth". Both phrases highlight the combination of capability and plentiful resources.