will to live

USAGE SUMMARY

"will to live" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's inner drive to keep going, despite challenging circumstances. For example, "The patient demonstrated an impressive will to live throughout his long battle with cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her will to live was intermittent.

The New York Times

And if the will to live flags?

The New York Times

"It's my will to live," he said.

The New York Times

"My will to live made me struggle".

The Guardian

It speaks the writer's will to live".

The Guardian - Books

Will to live makes a difference".

The Guardian

– I'm losing the will to live.

The Guardian - Books

"Might've broken his will to live".

The New York Times - Books

I just lost the will to live.

The New Yorker

Their courtship spurred his will to live.

The Washington Post

But he retained his powerful will to live.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will to live" when emphasizing a person's internal drive and determination to continue living, especially in the face of adversity. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "will to live" casually or flippantly. It carries a significant emotional weight and is most appropriate when describing situations involving serious challenges, illness, or survival.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will to live" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state of mind or an internal drive related to the desire to continue living. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will to live" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a person's internal drive and determination to survive, especially when facing significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and understanding. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, it conveys a neutral to formal tone, emphasizing resilience and life force. Related phrases include "desire to survive" and "determination to live". To ensure appropriate usage, reserve "will to live" for scenarios reflecting genuine adversity and avoid casual applications. The expression is suitable for both formal and informal environments, provided the context warrants its gravitas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire to survive

Focuses on the instinctual drive for survival.

determination to live

Emphasizes the conscious decision and resolve to continue living.

life force

Refers to the inherent energy and vitality that sustains life.

spirit to endure

Highlights the mental and emotional strength needed to withstand hardship.

tenacity to survive

Stresses the quality of being very determined and not willing to give up.

resolve to persist

Focuses on a firm decision to continue despite challenges.

inner strength to carry on

Highlights the internal fortitude that enables one to keep going.

grit to keep going

Emphasizes courage and resolve; strength of character.

unyielding spirit

Refers to an unbreakable and persistent attitude.

refusal to give up

Stresses a firm decision to not surrender.

FAQs

How can I use "will to live" in a sentence?

You can use "will to live" to describe someone's determination to survive a difficult situation. For example, "Despite his illness, he showed a strong will to live".

What are some phrases similar to "will to live"?

Alternatives include "desire to survive", "determination to live", or "life force", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "will to live" a formal or informal expression?

"Will to live" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's often used when discussing serious or significant situations.

What does it mean when someone has lost their "will to live"?

Losing the "will to live" indicates a severe lack of motivation or desire to continue living, often due to depression, trauma, or hopelessness. It is a serious concern that should be addressed with care and support.