through sheer force

USAGE SUMMARY

"through sheer force" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe achieving something by using great strength or determination. Example: "He pushed the door open through sheer force." Alternative expressions include "by sheer strength" and "through pure will."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are successful through sheer force.

The New York Times

Janice may change that through sheer force of personality.

The New York Times

Through sheer force of will he became an international prop.

The Guardian - Sport

He has unified the party through sheer force of prolixity.

The New York Times

Through sheer force of personality he made his deals happen, without being the textbook ruthless banker.

Independent

Through sheer force of personality alone, Berry probably finds himself as the frontrunner in this category.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A better way to lasso the reader's attention is through sheer force of personality.

The New York Times - Books

Capitalism seduces through sheer force of marketing and sheer promise of pleasure.

The New York Times - Arts

And Ms. McGowan succeeds in making her interesting through sheer force of style.

The New York Times - Books

Through sheer force of habit, I ask to go on earlier rather than later, if possible.

The Guardian

Never let yourself go bald,' as if nature could be circumvented through sheer force of will".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through sheer force" to emphasize that something was achieved despite significant obstacles or challenges, highlighting the effort and determination involved.

Common error

Avoid using "through sheer force" when the outcome is due to skill, strategy, or other factors that don't primarily rely on intense effort or power. It's best suited for scenarios involving overcoming resistance or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through sheer force" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the means or method by which an action is accomplished. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase emphasizes the effort and determination involved in overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through sheer force" is a prepositional phrase that highlights the effort and determination needed to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI underlines, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "by brute strength" or "through strength of will" exist, "through sheer force" effectively conveys overcoming obstacles with significant exertion. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing the effort involved, and avoid applying it to situations where skill or strategy are more relevant. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through strength of will

Highlights the mental fortitude and determination required.

by sheer willpower

Highlights the mental strength and determination necessary.

through determined effort

Focuses on the persistent and resolute nature of the effort.

by dint of effort

Emphasizes the hard work and persistent effort involved.

by force of character

Emphasizes the strength and integrity of one's personality.

by brute strength

Focuses on physical power as the primary means of achieving something.

by main strength

Implies using physical strength to overcome an obstacle.

through raw power

Focuses on the unrefined and intense application of force.

with unwavering resolve

Emphasizes steadfast commitment and determination.

through unrelenting pressure

Highlights the continuous and intense nature of the applied pressure.

FAQs

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

Use "through sheer force" to emphasize the effort required to overcome a significant obstacle. For example: "He managed to open the stuck door "through sheer force"."

What are some alternatives to "through sheer force"?

Alternatives include "by brute strength", "by dint of effort", or "through strength of will", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "through sheer force of will" or "through sheer force of determination"?

Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on what you want to emphasize. "Through sheer force of will" highlights mental strength and resolve, while "through sheer force of determination" emphasizes a persistent and unwavering commitment. They are both similar in the end.

Can "through sheer force" apply to abstract concepts, or is it limited to physical actions?

"Through sheer force" can apply to both physical actions and abstract concepts. For example, you can overcome a physical obstacle "through sheer force", but also maintain a political majority "through sheer force of personality".