strengthening

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "strengthening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of making something stronger or more effective. For example: "The government has implemented a number of policies aimed at strengthening the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Developing a knowledge-based economy, strengthening infrastructure investment and improving the financing of the economy are all critical in this regard," the thinktank adds.

The Guardian - Business

"If we are serious unionist politicians, we need to use the language of healing and strengthening".

The Guardian

It is not about the colours or the bliss; rather it's about strengthening the muscle that helps build resilience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Strengthening cities requires greater attention not just to specific spaces, but also to specific groups of people.

The Guardian

"The most far-reaching strategy for strengthening fragile cities involves investment in measures to boost social cohesion and mobility.

The Guardian

Other Measures 6. (C) Another action that the UPA is almost sure to take is strengthening laws to fight terrorism.

The Guardian

Additionally, Poland's president-elect publicly voiced support for a devolution of powers from Brussels to EU member states during his campaign, saying he was interested in "strengthening the guarantee of sovereignty within the framework of national legislation".

The Guardian - Opinion

Young adult readers – a demographic majority across Arabic-speaking countries – may well be interested in strengthening their moral fibre.

The Guardian - Books

When asked, the DfE says it is strengthening checks on academy conversions, and keeping these processes under review.

The Guardian

Sustainable solutions involve uniting and strengthening law enforcement agencies, and creating real employment alternatives in smuggler towns.

The Guardian

Retaining the goalkeeper John Ruddy and winger Nathan Redmond would be a good start but strengthening the rest of the spine – central defence, central midfield and centre-forward – looks necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strengthening", ensure that the object being strengthened is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "strengthening," specify "strengthening the economy" or "strengthening our defenses."

Common error

Avoid using "strengthening" without a specific target or context. For instance, saying "the project involves strengthening" is vague. Instead, clarify with "the project involves strengthening community ties and infrastructure."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "strengthening" is as a gerund or present participle, often acting as a noun or adjective. It describes the action of making something stronger or more effective, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

22%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Books

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strengthening" is a versatile term used to describe the process of making something stronger or more effective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It functions primarily as a gerund or present participle, conveying a sense of improvement and resilience. While it appears most frequently in news and formal business contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse applications. Related phrases like "reinforcing", "enhancing", and "fortifying" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Remember to always specify what you are "strengthening" to maintain clarity and avoid vague generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reinforcing

Emphasizes adding support to prevent weakening, focusing on bolstering existing structures or systems.

enhancing

Focuses on improving the quality, value, or extent of something.

fortifying

Implies adding defenses or protection, making something more resistant to attack or weakening.

boosting

Suggests an increase in power, effectiveness, or confidence.

improving

Focuses on making something better than it currently is.

developing

Highlights the process of growth and advancement, often over time.

building up

Implies a gradual increase in size, quantity, or intensity.

consolidating

Focuses on making something stronger or more secure, often by uniting or reinforcing elements.

bolstering

Similar to reinforcing, but often used in the context of morale or support.

toughening up

Emphasizes making something more resilient and less susceptible to damage or difficulty.

FAQs

How is "strengthening" used in a sentence?

"Strengthening" is used as a gerund or present participle to describe the action of making something stronger or more effective. For example, "The government is focused on "strengthening the economy"."

What phrases can I use instead of "strengthening"?

Alternatives to "strengthening" include "reinforcing", "enhancing", or "fortifying", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "strengthening" and "reinforcing"?

"Strengthening" generally means making something more robust, while "reinforcing" implies adding support to prevent weakening. The choice depends on whether you're building up something new or adding to an existing structure.

When is it appropriate to use "strengthening" in formal writing?

"Strengthening" is suitable in formal writing when discussing improvements to systems, structures, or capabilities. It's common in contexts such as "strengthening national security" or "strengthening corporate governance."