You use "strong" as an adjective in a sentence by placing it before a noun to describe it or after a linking verb to describe the subject.
The word "strong" functions as a versatile adjective, describing various attributes such as physical power, durability, intensity, or robustness. As an adjective, it modifies nouns or pronouns, providing more detail about their qualities.
Understanding "Strong" as an Adjective
An adjective's primary role is to describe or modify a noun or pronoun. "Strong" fulfills this role by painting a clearer picture of the noun it refers to.
For instance, when you talk about "strong muscles," the word "strong" directly describes the quality of the muscles, indicating their power or development. Similarly, saying someone is "strong as an ox" means they possess great physical power, with "strong" here describing the subject ("He").
Common Ways to Use "Strong" as an Adjective
"Strong" can appear in two main positions within a sentence:
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Attributive Adjective: Placed directly before the noun it modifies.
- Example: An athlete with strong muscles can lift heavy weights. (Here, "strong" modifies "muscles.")
- Example: She made a strong argument during the debate.
- Example: We need a strong leader for this project.
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Predicate Adjective: Following a linking verb (like is, was, seems, becomes, feels) and describing the subject of the sentence.
- Example: He's as strong as an ox. (Here, "strong" describes "He.")
- Example: The table should be strong enough to survive the trip. (Here, "strong" describes "table.")
- Example: After training, his legs felt strong.
Forms of "Strong"
Like many adjectives, "strong" has comparative and superlative forms to indicate different degrees of intensity:
- Positive: strong (e.g., a strong wind)
- Comparative: stronger (e.g., The builder added supports to make the walls stronger.)
- Superlative: strongest (e.g., She is the strongest swimmer on the team.)
Contextual Uses of "Strong"
The meaning of "strong" can vary slightly depending on the context:
| Context Type | Meaning of "Strong" | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Having great physical power or resistance. | The strongman lifted the car. |
| Durability | Able to withstand great force or pressure; robust. | This material is strong and will last for years. |
| Intensity | Powerful in effect or degree; potent. | She has a strong voice. The coffee has a strong flavor. |
| Conviction | Firm in belief or opinion; resolute. | He holds strong political views. |
| Resilience | Not easily broken, worn, or defeated. | The team showed strong determination. |
Tips for Using "Strong" Effectively
- Choose the right context: Ensure the meaning of "strong" aligns with what you want to convey (e.g., physical strength vs. strong opinion).
- Consider synonyms: Depending on nuance, words like powerful, robust, sturdy, intense, firm, potent might be more precise.
- Avoid redundancy: Don't pair "strong" with words that already imply strength (e.g., "very strong powerful").
By understanding its various applications and grammatical functions, you can effectively incorporate "strong" into your sentences as a descriptive adjective. For further details on the word "strong," you can consult its definition on Merriam-Webster.
