strong to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express strength or capability, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "He is strong to lift heavy weights" does not work well without additional context.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Sports

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It feels clean and strong to me.

The New York Times

Who now looks strong to you?

The New York Times

Strong to severe.

The Guardian

They sing "Eternal Father Strong to Save".

The New Yorker

You have to be strong to survive".

The New York Times - Books

Yeah, it was strong to begin with".

The New York Times

He took it strong to the basket.

The New York Times - Sports

We expect to be strong to advance".

The New York Times - Sports

They were young, wiry, strong to work.

The New York Times - Books

Strong to severe storms likely this afternoon.

The Washington Post

They've been very strong to put it aside.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express capability, it's usually more grammatically sound to use alternatives like "strong enough to" or "capable of" instead of "strong to."

Common error

Avoid using "strong to" when you mean "strong enough to" or "capable of". For example, instead of saying "He is strong to lift that", say "He is strong enough to lift that" or "He is capable of lifting that."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong to" functions as an attempt to link the adjective "strong" with an infinitive, often to express purpose or capability. However, this construction is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI shows this construction often appears where "strong enough to" or "capable of" would be more appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong to" is frequently encountered, but it's essential to recognize that it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI highlights, alternatives like "strong enough to" or "capable of" are more appropriate for expressing capability or purpose. While its usage spans various contexts, from news to literature, opting for clearer, grammatically sound phrasing enhances the precision and professionalism of your writing. Remember that while "strong to" might be understood, it's not the most effective way to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong enough to

Adds a qualifier, indicating sufficient strength for a specific purpose.

powerful enough to

Similar to "strong enough to", but emphasizes power or force.

able to withstand

Focuses on the ability to endure or resist something.

capable of

Highlights the general ability or capacity to do something.

resilient enough to

Emphasizes the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

strong in order to

Explicitly states the purpose for being strong.

sufficiently robust to

Uses more formal language to indicate durability and strength.

fit enough to

Implies physical fitness as a form of strength.

determined to

Highlights mental or emotional strength in achieving a goal.

tough enough to

Suggests a hardened or resilient quality.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "strong to" correctly?

While "strong to" is not typically grammatically correct, you can often rephrase it using "strong enough to" or "capable of" to convey the intended meaning.

What's a better alternative to "strong to" for expressing capability?

Consider using phrases like "strong enough to", "able to", or "capable of". The best choice depends on the context.

Is there a difference between "strong to" and "strong enough to"?

"Strong to" is generally not grammatically correct. "Strong enough to" is the correct way to express having sufficient strength or ability for something.

When is it appropriate to use "strong to"?

While generally not recommended, "strong to" appears in various contexts, although often awkwardly. It's usually better to opt for clearer alternatives like "strong enough to" or rewording the sentence for better clarity.