use strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use strength" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing someone or something using physical or mental power to accomplish something. Example: The hiker had to use all of his strength to climb the steep mountain trail.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We need men to be with us, and for us, as warriors for greater good -- we do not need men who use strength in abusive ways nor do we need men who have gone passive.

Huffington Post

Gansz said Hall's history as a running back makes him ideal on kickoffs, where he must use strength to break tackles.

The New York Times - Sports

Use "strength meters" to gauge when to practice old material.

TechCrunch

Smith Barney said, "While we do not see negative catalysts between now and year-end, our valuation work suggests that clients should use strength between now and January to take profits".

Forbes

Marsden argues that, by dividing areas of employee influence in this way, the German system has been able to provide sufficient voice to sustain cooperation while making it harder to use strength in one area to support demands in another.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Marsden also contends that the partitioning of the dual system where the responsibility for wage bargaining is separated from workplace issues, being assigned to unions and works councils, respectively—has provided support for cooperation while at the same time making it harder to use strength in one area to support demands in another.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It is necessary to use strengths from all sides in order to help promote dialogue between the United States and North Korea," he said.

The New York Times

Male athletes have used strength training for decades to improve their performance.

The New York Times

The injury is a major blow to Nalbandian, who uses strength and fitness to grind down opponents from the baseline.

The New York Times - Sports

Using strength and/or power to intentionally harm or intimidate someone is being a bully.

Huffington Post

Consistent rather than flashy, Story uses strength and control to neutralize opponents and their weapons.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, ensure that the type of strength (e.g. muscular, structural) is clear from the context. For example, "Use muscular strength to lift the box" provides more clarity than just "Use strength to lift the box".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "Use strength" without specifying its application or source. Instead, clarify what kind of "strength" is being utilized (e.g. mental fortitude, physical power) to provide a clearer and more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use strength" functions as a verb phrase, where "use" is the verb and "strength" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the act of employing or applying power, force, or energy, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use strength" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of applying power or force. As noted by Ludwig, it is a common expression found across various contexts, including news, science, and instructional content. While semantically similar phrases like "apply force" or "exert power" offer more specificity, "use strength" remains a widely understood and applicable choice. It's important to provide context to clarify the type of "strength" being employed to avoid vagueness. The neutral register makes "use strength" appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employ force

Focuses on the application of power or coercion, often in a more direct or immediate manner.

exert power

Emphasizes the act of wielding or applying influence or control.

apply energy

Highlights the utilization of vitality and effort toward a particular purpose.

exercise might

Suggests a demonstration of physical power or influence, often in a challenging situation.

wield influence

Focuses on the control and application of persuasive or authoritative power.

draw on power

Implies accessing and utilizing an existing source of strength or capability.

tap into resilience

Highlights the use of inner fortitude and the ability to recover from difficulties.

mobilize resources

Emphasizes the act of organizing and deploying available assets to achieve a goal.

capitalize on robustness

Focuses on leveraging inherent durability and ability to withstand pressure or challenges.

leverage capabilities

Suggests strategically using existing skills and abilities for maximum benefit.

FAQs

How can I properly use "use strength" in a sentence?

The phrase "use strength" generally implies employing physical or mental power to achieve a specific action or overcome a challenge. For example: "Athletes "use strength" to perform feats of athleticism."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "use strength"?

Depending on the context, you could consider using phrases like "apply force", "exert power", or "draw on power" to convey a similar meaning with greater specificity.

Is it better to say "use strength" or "utilize strength"?

"Use strength" is generally more direct and common. "Utilize strength" is more formal and might be appropriate in technical or academic writing, but "use strength" is suitable for most contexts.

What is the difference between "use strength" and "have strength"?

"Use strength" implies an action of employing power, while "have strength" suggests possessing the capacity or ability to exert force. For example, "You must "use strength" to lift this weight" versus "You must "have strength" to lift this weight".