test of mettle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "test of mettle" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a challenge or difficult situation that tests someone's strength, courage, resilience, or determination. You can use it in any context where someone faces a challenging situation, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. For example: - The marathon was a real test of my mettle, but I pushed through and finished strong. - The new employee faced a tough test of her mettle on her first day, but she proved herself capable and determined. - The pandemic was a serious test of our collective mettle as a society, and we have shown resilience and strength in overcoming it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Recent days have been a test of mettle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then came "Cherokee," a tune once held as the ultimate test of mettle for jazz improvisers.

The New York Times - Arts

Yesterday's test of mettle seems to have been a bit too daunting.

The New Yorker

By The New Yorker May 27, 2010 Yesterday's test of mettle seems to have been a bit too daunting.

The New Yorker

It took gamers a few weeks to realise that this wasn't a typical power fantasy so much as a test of mettle and patience.

The Guardian - Tech

Jacob's Ladder, Derbyshire 14 miles, mountainbikerides.co.uk It's a famously gruelling test of mettle for mountain bikers: fearsomely steep and rocky, Jacob's Ladder is barometer of your biking mojo.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At Ranger School he learned how to navigate difficult physical terrain and endure grueling tests of mettle.

The New York Times - Books

There's even a Science Bravery Challenge with tests of mettle, like letting a stick bug stand on your head.

The New York Times - Arts

Thus far, throughout these tests of mettle and tenacity, he reliably delivers high-quality fine art -- and only needs a situation with the right balance in which to evolve into the great master he seems destined to be.

Huffington Post

It was a test of their mettle, their nerve and their stomach for the fight and they came through with pass marks.

BBC

The constitution will be an early test of its mettle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "test of mettle" when you want to emphasize that a situation or challenge reveals someone's true character and ability to persevere under pressure.

Common error

Ensure you're using "mettle" (strength of character) and not "metal" (a material). A "test of metal" makes no sense in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "test of mettle" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes an event or situation that assesses one's character, courage, or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and common expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "test of mettle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a challenging situation designed to reveal one's strength, courage, and resilience. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It's most often found in news, sports, and arts contexts. When writing, remember to use "mettle" (character) and not "metal" (material). Alternatives include "trial of strength" and "ordeal by fire". The phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluation of grit

Emphasizes perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

measure of resilience

Directly assesses the ability to recover from difficulties.

challenge to one's fortitude

Emphasizes the mental and emotional resilience required.

trial of strength

Focuses on physical or mental power as the attribute being tested.

stress test

Implies the challenge is specifically designed to reveal vulnerabilities.

acid test

Highlights the decisiveness and reliability of the test.

ordeal by fire

Emphasizes the severity and potentially destructive nature of the challenge.

baptism of fire

Implies an initiation into a challenging new role or situation.

assessment of character

Focuses on ethical and moral qualities revealed by the challenge.

proving ground

Highlights the opportunity to demonstrate one's abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "test of mettle" in a sentence?

The phrase "test of mettle" is used to describe a situation that reveals someone's true character and resilience. For instance, "The grueling competition was a real "test of mettle" for the athletes".

What are some synonyms for "test of mettle"?

Alternatives to "test of mettle" include "trial of strength", "ordeal by fire", or "acid test", all of which suggest a difficult situation that reveals one's capabilities.

Is it appropriate to use "test of mettle" in formal writing?

Yes, "test of mettle" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing challenges and how individuals or groups respond to them. It adds a layer of depth and emphasizes the significance of the challenge.

What's the difference between "test of mettle" and "challenge"?

While "challenge" simply indicates a difficult task, "test of mettle" implies that the challenge will reveal important qualities about the person facing it, such as their courage, resilience, or determination. It's a more evocative phrase.