What is strong? Pronunciation and usage in English

strong means . Learn how to pronounce and use strong through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of strong

strongadjective

/strɒŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of strong

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "strong" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. The Sounds:

  • "str": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "strawn" – almost like you're saying "strawn" quickly. It's a single, quick syllable.
  • "ong": This is pronounced like the "awng" in "lawn" or "dawn." The "o" is a longer, more rounded vowel sound.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced like this: "STROOng" (think "Strawn-ung")

3. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't separate it: The "str" and "ong" aren't two separate words. They flow together as one syllable.
  • Focus on the "strawn" sound: Really emphasize that quick "strawn" sound.
  • Rounded "o": Make sure your mouth is slightly rounded when you say the "ong" part of the word.

Resources to Hear It:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce strong" on Google, and you’ll often find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/strong/ – This website has pronunciations recorded by native English speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce strong” – many videos demonstrate the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Slow down the pronunciation?
  • Give you another example word with a similar sound?

Usage and examples with the word strong in English

Let's break down how to use the word "strong" effectively in English. It's surprisingly versatile! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use them, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Strength:

  • Meaning: This is the most common understanding – the ability to exert force.
  • Examples:
    • "He's a strong man – he can lift heavy boxes."
    • "She has strong legs from all her running."
    • "The building is strong and can withstand a hurricane."
    • "Strong muscles are important for many activities."

2. Mental/Emotional Strength:

  • Meaning: Resilience, courage, determination, and the ability to cope with challenges.
  • Examples:
    • "She showed remarkable strength in the face of adversity."
    • "He has strong willpower and never gives up."
    • "It takes strength to admit you're struggling."
    • "Her strong personality is what drew people to her."
    • “He has strong moral convictions.”

3. Intensity/Force (Abstract):

  • Meaning: Referring to something that is powerful, intense, or impactful. This can be used for emotions, ideas, or even abstract concepts.
  • Examples:
    • "The argument was strong and persuasive." (Meaning: it was compelling and well-supported)
    • "She felt a strong desire to travel."
    • "His support for the cause was strong." (Meaning: enthusiastic and dedicated)
    • "The coffee was strong." (Meaning: potent, intense in flavor)

4. Characteristic/Quality (Describing objects):

  • Meaning: Used to describe something’s durability, robustness, or stability.
  • Examples:
    • “A strong table” (meaning: sturdy, well-built)
    • “A strong roof” (meaning: resistant to damage)
    • “A strong foundation” (meaning: stable and reliable)

5. Grammatical Usage:

  • "Strong verb" - A verb that doesn’t need an auxiliary verb (“to be”, “do”, “have”) to form its continuous tense (e.g., "I am running," not "I be running").
  • "Strong adjective" - An adjective that doesn't need an auxiliary verb when forming the passive voice (e.g., "The house was built strong," not "The house was built be strong").

Here are some ways to expand your usage & make it sound natural:

  • Combine with adjectives: “a very strong argument,” “a physically strong athlete,” “a mentally strong person.”
  • Use “be” verb: “The table is strong.” “She is strong.”
  • Use “get” verb: “He got stronger over time.” (Referring to physical fitness)
  • Consider synonyms: Sometimes, using a synonym can add nuance. Here are some alternatives to “strong” depending on the context:
    • Powerful: (Implies influence or impact)
    • Robust: (Suggests durability and resilience)
    • Resilient: (Specifically about bouncing back from difficulties)
    • Firm: (Suggests stability and resistance to change)
    • Determined: (About willpower)
    • Courageous: (About bravery)

Resources for More Practice:

To help me tailor my advice even further, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using "strong" in? (e.g., describing a person, an object, an idea?)

Synonyms for the word strong

Idioms of the word strong

be a bit strong
(British English, informal)used to say that you think what somebody has said is unfair or too critical
    somebody’s best/strongest/winning card
    something that gives somebody an advantage over other people in a particular situation
      be strong on something
      to be good at something
      • I'm not very strong on dates (= I can't remember the dates of important events).
      to have a lot of something
      • The report was strong on criticism, but short on practical suggestions.
      be somebody’s strong suit
      to be a subject that somebody knows a lot about
      • I'm afraid geography is not my strong suit.
      come on strong
      (informal)to make your feelings clear in an aggressive way, especially your sexual feelings towards somebody
        going strong
        (informal)to continue to be healthy, active or successful
        • My grandmother is 90 and still going strong.
        • The business is still going strong.
        have a strong stomach
        to be able to see or do unpleasant things without feeling sick or upset
        • You need a strong stomach to go on the giant roller coaster.

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