through sheer force of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through sheer force of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe achieving something by using a strong, determined effort or willpower. Example: "He succeeded in the competition through sheer force of will, refusing to give up despite the challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

In previous debates, Gingrich had neutralized the Romney campaign's tremendous financial advantage and advertising blitzkrieg through sheer force of personality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through sheer force of" when you want to emphasize that something was achieved despite significant obstacles, primarily due to intense willpower, effort, or personality.

Common error

Don't use "through sheer force of" when describing achievements that rely solely on talent or skill. This phrase emphasizes effort against resistance, not inherent aptitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through sheer force of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the means or method by which something is accomplished. Ludwig AI suggests its correct and frequent usage. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use with nouns like 'will', 'personality', or 'habit' to show how actions are driven by intense effort or character.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Books

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Lifestyle

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through sheer force of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the means by which something is accomplished, often highlighting significant effort, willpower, or personal qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts. It is grammatically sound and commonly found in news, books, and other forms of writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is more frequent in news and media contexts, and careful attention should be given to ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through strength of will

Replaces 'force' with 'strength', focusing on inner resolve.

through sheer determination

Highlights the role of unwavering resolve in achieving a goal, removing the element of 'force'.

by dint of

Emphasizes the effort and hard work involved in achieving something.

by force of character

Focuses on inner moral and mental qualities to achieve a goal.

by sheer effort

Emphasizes the exertion of energy and hard work involved.

via unwavering commitment

Emphasizes dedication as the means of achieving something.

by virtue of

Focuses on achievement coming from a specific quality or ability, rather than sheer force alone.

through powerful influence

Shifts the focus to the impact or sway exerted on a situation.

through personal magnetism

Highlights the ability to attract and influence others.

through brute strength

Focuses on the physical aspect of power and control.

FAQs

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

You can use "through sheer force of" to describe how someone achieves something by using a lot of effort and determination, such as "She succeeded "through sheer force of will", refusing to give up despite the challenges".

What phrases are similar to "through sheer force of"?

Similar phrases include "by virtue of", "by dint of", or "through sheer determination". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are valid, but they have slightly different connotations. "Through sheer force of will" emphasizes the power of willpower, while "through sheer determination" emphasizes the firmness of purpose. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the effort involved.

Can "through sheer force of" be used to describe negative outcomes?

While often used for positive achievements, "through sheer force of" can also describe negative situations if the effort leads to undesirable consequences. For example, "The dictator maintained power "through sheer force of oppression"".