strengthening up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strengthening up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of making something stronger or more robust, often in a physical, emotional, or organizational context. Example: "The team is focusing on strengthening up their communication skills to enhance collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

TalkSport: And you mention they need strengthening up – is that the only area you think they need strengthening up front?

The Guardian - Sport

"It's just about strengthening up and getting that strength back, spending more time in the training room with the trainers.

The New York Times

No player scored more than eight goals for Cardiff in the second tier last season so strengthening up front is crucial.

The Guardian - Sport

The results showed that thermal treatment is an important prerequisite as well as air-drying (i.e., hardening), and produced higher strengthening (up to 12 MPa) and durability in an immersed condition.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He's strengthened up.

The Guardian - Sport

The more he strengthens up, the more he'll improve.

The Guardian - Sport

He looks to have strengthened up over the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

A tall, scopey horse that looks the type to improve as he strengthens up.

The Guardian - Sport

Strengthen up You need whole-body strength, not just powerful legs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added, "Depending on results, we will strengthen up voting procedures".

The New Yorker

It looks like regulators across the pond are looking to strengthen up their own insider-trading laws.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strengthening up", consider if a more formal synonym like "reinforcing" or "bolstering" would be more appropriate for your context.

Common error

Avoid using "strengthening up" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strengthening up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of making something stronger or more robust. It is often used in contexts where a specific area or skill is being improved. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with examples showing its application in sports and general improvements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "strengthening up" is used to describe the act of making something stronger or more robust. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although not very common. It's most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral to informal tone. While acceptable, writers should consider more formal synonyms like "reinforcing" or "bolstering", especially in academic or business writing to maintain a professional tone. When you want to make something stronger, ask yourself if "building up" might be a good fit, as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reinforcing

Focuses on making something stronger after it's already been built.

bolstering

Emphasizes providing support or encouragement to enhance something.

enhancing

Highlights improving the quality, value, or extent of something.

fortifying

Implies adding protection or defense to increase resilience.

consolidating

Suggests making something more solid or secure, often through organization.

shoring up

Indicates providing support to prevent collapse or weakening.

beefing up

An informal way of saying making something more substantial or powerful.

toughening up

Implies making something more resilient or resistant to hardship.

building up

Focuses on gradually increasing the size, strength, or quantity of something.

cementing

Implies establishing something firmly and permanently.

FAQs

How can I use "strengthening up" in a sentence?

You can use "strengthening up" to describe the process of making something stronger or more robust, as in, "The team is focusing on "reinforcing" their communication skills."

What can I say instead of "strengthening up"?

Alternatives to "strengthening up" include "bolstering", "reinforcing", or "enhancing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "strengthening up" or "strengthening"?

"Strengthening" is more versatile and often preferred in formal contexts. "Strengthening up" is acceptable but can sound less formal. Consider the audience and tone when choosing between "reinforcing" and strengthening.

Is "strengthening up" a common phrase in academic writing?

No, "strengthening up" is not frequently used in academic writing. More formal terms like "enhancing" or "reinforcing" are preferred to maintain a professional tone.