summon the will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'summon the will' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to mustering up determination and courage in order to take action. For example, "She had to summon the will to face her fears and make a long-awaited career move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But arranging both is tricky, even supposing that Japan can summon the will to do so.

The Economist

In the early 1990s we could not summon the will to act in Bosnia.

The Economist

But they can barely summon the will to open the mail.

The New York Times

Can the Yankees, an aging club fending off decline, summon the will for one last effort?

The New York Times - Sports

And when he couldn't summon the will for that he blew things up.

The New York Times

I might even print one of them if I can summon the will.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But most have summoned the will to come back when the area reopens.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Mickelson summoned the will to turn a potentially devastating loss into a memorable triumph.

The New York Times - Sports

Would India, if it summoned the will, be a more persuasive lecturer on democracy's merits than America?

The New York Times

But by summoning the will to sing the bird's song, Goldkind breaks the spell and returns her uncle permanently to his husky human form.

The New York Times - Arts

Terrorism will be defeated if the international community summons the will to unite in a broad coalition, or it will not be defeated at all".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "summon the will" when you want to emphasize the effort required to overcome internal resistance and take action. It's especially fitting when facing daunting tasks or difficult decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "summon the will" when simply expressing a wish or desire. The phrase implies a deliberate effort to overcome obstacles, not just a passive wanting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "summon the will" functions as a verbal phrase, often used intransitively, to describe the act of mustering the mental strength or determination needed to perform an action or face a challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Academia

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "summon the will" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of gathering inner strength to face challenges. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Related phrases include "muster the determination" and "find the resolve". When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a genuine effort to overcome obstacles, not just a simple desire. Remember that while closely related, "summon the willpower" is another acceptable variation. This analysis, supported by numerous examples found in Ludwig, confirms the phrase's proper usage and contextual relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

muster the determination

This alternative emphasizes the act of gathering and preparing one's determination.

gather the courage

This alternative focuses on accumulating bravery to face a challenge.

find the resolve

This alternative highlights the discovery of inner strength to proceed.

muster the strength

This alternative emphasizes gathering physical or mental power.

rouse the spirit

This alternative focuses on invigorating one's enthusiasm and energy.

call upon inner resources

This alternative emphasizes using one's internal capabilities and reserves.

steel oneself

This alternative refers to preparing oneself mentally for a difficult situation.

brace oneself

This alternative suggests preparing for an impact or challenge.

dig deep

This alternative evokes the idea of exerting oneself to find hidden strength.

rise to the occasion

This alternative means to perform adequately when faced with a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "summon the will" in a sentence?

You can use "summon the will" to describe a situation where someone needs to find inner strength to overcome a challenge. For example, "She had to "summon the will" to speak in public."

What can I say instead of "summon the will"?

You can use alternatives like "muster the determination", "gather the courage", or "find the resolve" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "summon the willpower"?

While "summon the will" is more common, "summon the willpower" is also acceptable and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the mental strength needed.

What's the difference between "summon the will" and "demonstrate the will"?

"Summon the will" refers to the internal process of gathering determination, while "demonstrate the will" refers to the external action of showing determination through behavior.