through strength of character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through strength of character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has demonstrated resilience, integrity, or moral fortitude in facing challenges. Example: "She overcame numerous obstacles in her life through strength of character, proving her determination and resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Through strength of character, Stirling had recovered from adversity.

The Guardian - Arts

It was through strength of character and often obsession that Harrington turned himself into one of the best golfers, just like Moran has done in his sport in recent years.

The Times

Like Mr. Bloomberg, Mr. Lindsay was a liberal Republican mayor with few ties to the political establishment, an upper-class reformer who believed that through strength of character and a fresh point of view, he could change the system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was through sheer strength of character that Stein became the Queen of Bohemia — or, as she would have preferred it, the King — while Guggenheim was, in Greenberg's terms, its victim, a position he found troublingly emblematic.

The New Yorker

Lustig argues that sugar creates an appetite for itself by a determinable hormonal mechanism – a cycle, he says, that you could no more break with willpower than you could stop feeling thirsty through sheer strength of character.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it's easy to claim that our family would resist the allure of medication, or insist that I would teach my child to cope, probably through pure strength of character and good parenting (please know that my tongue is firmly in cheek here).

The New York Times

I will forever be indebted to him for the things he taught me through his strength of character, his fortitude, and his personal quest for freedom.

Huffington Post

Jara, on the other hand, is an uneducated "son of man" who becomes a Christ-like leader for Paraguayan people through action and strength of character.

Wikipedia

I tell my daughter every morning, 'Now, what are the two most important parts of you?' And she says, 'My head and my heart.' Because that's what I've learned in the foxhole: What gets you through life is strength of character and strength of spirit and love".

Huffington Post

And when it is her turn to shine, her strength of character comes through".

Huffington Post

"Instead, she liked to think of herself as a role model, a one-woman vanguard who had been given the opportunity to advance her race through individual determination and strength of character".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through strength of character" to emphasize that someone's inner moral qualities or fortitude were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome or overcoming adversity. It conveys a deeper sense of personal responsibility and integrity compared to simply stating they were 'lucky' or 'talented'.

Common error

Avoid using "through strength of character" as the only explanation for success when other factors (privilege, opportunity, support) significantly contributed. Acknowledge the interplay of internal fortitude and external circumstances for a more accurate and nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through strength of character" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the means by which an action is accomplished or a quality is manifested. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use in attributing positive outcomes to inner fortitude.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through strength of character" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to attribute success or resilience to an individual's inner fortitude. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, indicating its prevalence in news and media, highlighting its role in conveying moral and mental strength. While semantically related alternatives exist, each carries slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, remember to acknowledge the interplay between personal fortitude and external circumstances for a balanced portrayal. While grammaticaly correct, it is important to consider context, a message reinforced by Ludwig's diverse examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by virtue of inner fortitude

This alternative highlights the inherent quality of fortitude as the means of achievement, rather than focusing on character as a whole.

by dint of sheer willpower

This emphasizes the force of will as the primary driver, potentially downplaying other aspects of character.

because of resolute spirit

This highlights the spirit as the cause, suggesting a firmness and determination that leads to success.

thanks to unwavering resolve

Focuses on the steadfastness of resolve as the key factor, suggesting a firm decision and commitment.

through force of personality

This alternative focuses more on the impact of someone's personality, which isn't quite the same as strength of character.

owing to moral fiber

This highlights the moral aspect of character, emphasizing integrity and ethical behavior.

by means of personal resilience

Focuses specifically on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

as a result of courageous nature

This emphasizes bravery and a fearless disposition as the driving force.

utilizing inherent mettle

This alternative focuses on innate courage and resilience.

leveraging personal grit

This highlights the use of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "through strength of character" in a sentence?

You can use "through strength of character" to describe how someone overcame a challenge. For example, "She navigated the crisis "through strength of character" and unwavering determination."

What are some alternatives to using "through strength of character"?

Alternatives to "through strength of character" include "by virtue of inner fortitude", "by dint of sheer willpower", or "owing to moral fiber", each offering a slightly different emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to attribute success to "through strength of character"?

While "through strength of character" highlights inner qualities, it's important to consider external factors as well. Overemphasizing personal fortitude can overlook the role of privilege, opportunity, or support systems.

What is the difference between saying someone succeeded "through strength of character" versus "because of their skills"?

Saying someone succeeded "through strength of character" emphasizes their moral and mental fortitude, highlighting resilience and integrity. "Because of their skills" focuses on acquired abilities and expertise.