through sheer force of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through sheer force of will" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically means achieving something through determination, perseverance, or determination. Example: John managed to complete the marathon, through sheer force of will, despite having a broken leg.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Through sheer force of will he became an international prop.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The New Yorker

After his death, in 1961, she transformed herself, through sheer force of will, into a cultural czar.

The New Yorker

They looked ancient but powerful, as though they'd risen up from the thick grassland through sheer force of will.

The Guardian

She has made herself one of the most recognisable women in the world apparently through sheer force of will.

The Guardian

Still, her singing is fearless and impassioned, and through sheer force of will she excels in the role.

The New York Times

Or are they simply normal people who overcame their biological limits through sheer force of will and obsessive training?

The Guardian

But if he becomes a great player or a great success, it appears unlikely to be through sheer force of will.

The New York Times - Sports

We enjoy the notion that we could one day become something bigger, better and brighter than we are now, through sheer force of will.

The New York Times - Sports

"The blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will".

The New Yorker

Still, the story of his journey to the position is one of a man overcoming remarkable odds through sheer force of will.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through sheer force of will" to emphasize that a person or entity achieved something challenging primarily through their own mental and emotional strength, rather than external advantages or luck.

Common error

Avoid using "through sheer force of will" when the achievement is primarily due to physical power or external resources. The phrase is most effective when highlighting mental fortitude and determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through sheer force of will" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the means or manner by which an action is accomplished. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase often describes overcoming significant challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through sheer force of will" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the critical role of determination, resolve, and mental strength in achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig shows, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, where it highlights stories of individuals overcoming adversity. Understanding the nuance of this phrase allows writers to effectively convey the impact of willpower in the face of challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by dint of willpower

Emphasizes the role of willpower as the primary means to achieve something.

through sheer determination

Focuses specifically on the role of determination and resolve.

by strength of character

Highlights the moral and mental strength required to succeed.

through unwavering resolve

Implies a firm and unwavering commitment to a goal.

through sheer grit and effort

Underscores the combination of perseverance and hard work.

by force of personality

Suggests that charisma and personal influence play a key role.

by strength of purpose

Emphasizes having a clear and compelling goal that drives action.

through relentless pursuit

Implies a tireless and persistent effort towards achieving something.

through sheer tenacity

Highlights the quality of being persistent and refusing to give up.

through unwavering dedication

Underscores the committed and faithful nature of the effort.

FAQs

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

This phrase emphasizes achieving a goal primarily through determination and mental strength. For example, "She completed the project, "through sheer force of will", despite numerous obstacles."

What are some alternatives to "through sheer force of will"?

Consider using phrases like "by dint of willpower", "through sheer determination", or "by strength of character" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "through sheer force of will" in formal writing?

Yes, "through sheer force of will" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to convey that a particular outcome was achieved through determination and mental strength.

What's the difference between "through sheer force of will" and "through hard work"?

"Through hard work" emphasizes effort and diligence, while ""through sheer force of will"" highlights the mental fortitude and determination required to overcome challenges. The former focuses on the labor, the latter on the mindset.