through sheer determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through sheer determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe achieving something by means of strong will and persistence, often in the face of challenges. Example: "She succeeded in her career through sheer determination, never giving up despite the obstacles she faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Her father opposed the collective activism of Martin Luther King, believing in self-advancement through individual excellence; like him, she seems to have been determined to transcend discrimination through sheer determination.

The Guardian

Through sheer determination, she said.

The New York Times

He has reached this point through sheer determination.

The New York Times - Sports

But he did rise, through sheer determination, to play for England 35 times.

The New York Times - Sports

He did this through sheer determination, canniness and the power of ideas.

The New York Times

But that was through sheer determination, a good family and lots of luck.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I got here through the sheer determination of a mother trying to find her daughter a better future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through the sheer determination of his mother and his QC, Jogee was found not guilty of murder earlier this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not a band that has ever been able to rest on its reputation, much of which has been acquired through the sheer determination to entertain.

The New Yorker

"It's incredible to have people of the caliber of Jean-Pierre, Patty and Violette Verdy working here, and it's through their sheer determination that it has happened".

The New York Times - Arts

Through his sheer determination we tracked down the elusive Abaco parrot.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through sheer determination" to emphasize that success was achieved despite significant obstacles or lack of initial advantages. It highlights the power of will and effort.

Common error

While "through sheer determination" highlights effort, avoid implying it's the only factor. Acknowledge the potential influence of luck, resources, or external support where relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through sheer determination" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action was accomplished. It emphasizes the means or method used to achieve a particular outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Books

7%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through sheer determination" is a powerful and grammatically sound way to describe achieving a goal through immense willpower and persistent effort. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media but also appears in formal business contexts, sports and books, serving to emphasize the importance of individual effort in overcoming challenges. While effective, remember to acknowledge other contributing factors to success when appropriate. Alternatives such as "with unwavering resolve" or "by dint of hard work" can offer nuanced variations of the same theme.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With unwavering resolve

Focuses on the firmness and consistency of the decision-making process.

With unyielding determination

Focuses on the firmness and consistency of the decision-making process.

By dint of hard work

Highlights the effort and labor invested to achieve the result.

Through force of will

Emphasizes the mental strength and determination used.

Through sheer willpower

Emphasizes the mental strength and determination used.

Through grit and perseverance

Combines courage and persistence in overcoming obstacles.

By relentless effort

Stresses the continuous and unyielding nature of the work.

By tenacious effort

Highlights the effort and labor invested to achieve the result, emphasizing persistence.

Through steadfast dedication

Highlights the loyalty and commitment to the goal.

Through dogged persistence

Highlights the effort and labor invested to achieve the result, emphasizing persistence and resoluteness.

FAQs

How can I use "through sheer determination" in a sentence?

You can use "through sheer determination" to describe how someone achieved a goal despite facing significant challenges. For example, "She achieved her success "through sheer determination" and hard work".

What are some alternatives to saying "through sheer determination"?

Alternatives include "with unwavering resolve", "by dint of hard work", or "through force of will". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "achieved by determination" or "achieved through sheer determination"?

"Achieved by determination" is grammatically correct, but "achieved "through sheer determination"" emphasizes that the achievement was due to exceptional effort and willpower in the face of adversity. It is a more emphatic way of stating the result.

What does "sheer" mean in the context of "through sheer determination"?

In this context, "sheer" emphasizes the magnitude or intensity of the determination. It suggests that the determination was not just ordinary, but absolute and powerful, thus "through sheer determination" success was achieved.