will to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong determination or desire to achieve success in various contexts, such as personal goals, career aspirations, or overcoming challenges. Example: "Her will to succeed drove her to work late into the night, ensuring she met her deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Weissman's will to succeed has inspired the Bullets all season.

The New York Times

The will to succeed is there; the punch is not.

The New York Times - Sports

"The intensity of the will to succeed just wasn't there.

The New York Times - Sports

No other athlete has her will to succeed.

The Guardian - Sport

We're even starting to see that we might actually have the political will to succeed.

Independent

Her ferocious will to succeed seems a grim version of the life force itself.

The New Yorker

"She knows the magazine, her staff, and more importantly, she has the will to succeed".

The New York Times

It was here that Dati forged her fierce will to succeed.

The Guardian

Ken's life is characterized, in large part, by Ken's indomitable will to succeed and contribute.

The New York Times

In Leicester I see that same will to succeed, Doing down the critics and naysayers, all.

The Guardian - Sport

What made him exceptional, other than his will to succeed, was his curiosity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will to succeed" to emphasize an internal drive and determination, rather than external factors that contribute to success. It highlights personal agency and resolve.

Common error

Avoid using "will to succeed" in contexts where success is already guaranteed or highly probable. The phrase is most effective when highlighting determination in the face of challenges or uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will to succeed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a quality or attribute related to a person's character or approach, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will to succeed" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies a strong determination and resolve to achieve one's goals. Ludwig's analysis confirms its versatility and wide applicability across various contexts, primarily in news, sports, and business-related discussions. It effectively conveys a proactive approach and personal agency in the pursuit of success. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "determination to succeed" and "drive to achieve", "will to succeed" succinctly captures the essence of an unwavering commitment to triumph, as highlighted by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determination to succeed

Focuses more on the firmness of purpose and resolve.

drive to achieve

Highlights the motivational force behind the pursuit of success.

ambition to prosper

Emphasizes a strong desire for advancement and thriving.

resolve to triumph

Conveys a sense of overcoming obstacles and achieving victory.

eagerness to excel

Stresses enthusiasm and a desire to perform exceptionally well.

commitment to winning

Highlights dedication and a focus on achieving victory.

tenacity to prevail

Emphasizes persistence and the ability to overcome challenges.

aspiration to flourish

Focuses on a desire for growth and thriving in a particular area.

purpose to thrive

Highlights the intention and goal of achieving success and well-being.

burning desire to achieve

Indicates an intense and passionate longing for accomplishment.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "will to succeed" in a sentence?

Use "will to succeed" to emphasize a person's internal drive and determination, especially when facing challenges. For example: "Despite numerous setbacks, her "will to succeed" never wavered."

What are some alternatives to "will to succeed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "determination to succeed", "drive to achieve", or "ambition to prosper".

Is "will to succeed" formal or informal?

"Will to succeed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication. It is frequently found in news articles, biographies, and motivational speeches.

What distinguishes "will to succeed" from "desire to succeed"?

"Will to succeed" emphasizes a stronger, more determined intention and proactive approach compared to "desire to succeed", which can imply a more passive wish. "Will" suggests active effort and resolve, while "desire" simply indicates a wish or longing.