A strong force vs The strong force

Both "a strong force" and "the strong force" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "A strong force" is used when referring to any strong force in a general sense, while "the strong force" is used when referring to a specific strong force, such as the strong nuclear force in physics.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 666 views

A strong force

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to any strong force in a general sense.

Use "a strong force" when talking about any strong force without specifying a particular one.

Examples:

The impact created a strong force that knocked the door off its hinges.
She possessed a strong force of will that helped her overcome challenges.
A strong force of wind blew through the open window.
The team applied a strong force to move the heavy object.
The earthquake generated a strong force that caused buildings to collapse.

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The Treaty of Lisbon is not - as Mr Klaus has claimed - about making the Union a strong force against the Member States, but about something completely different.
I tried to help you but you're a strong force to take on, even for me.
During my recent training, I could feel a strong force working against us.
So a strong force compressed the sides of the neural arch?
The EU must be a strong force, the Community method must contain strong positions and we need strong institutions.
In a strong interaction, a strong force particle, such as this one, interacts with a colored quark, such as this green one, to give a quark with a different color charge - this red one.
But if we send in a strong force the deserters will kill your wife
What people wanted as a behavior was to have an explosion, a strong force applied to the character, and have the character react to it in midair.
The EESC takes the view that the globalisation of the economy and developments in science and technology - especially information technology - create a strong force that can be controlled only by shifting the epicentre of formation and development of contemporary international relations.
So this creates quite a strong centrifugal force.
Markets are a very strong force.
Group pressure is a strong social force which can contribute to voluntary harmonisation.
A strong security force surrounded the colonel on his way toward the podium.
Tell Sharpe a strong reconnaissance force of Frogs is on its way to seize Adrados.
There's a strong nuclear force That holds atoms together;
In the Stockholm Programme, with regard to which we have been a strong driving force, the fight to combat violence against women is a priority.
I recommend we respond with a strong show of force.
NCSDs can be a strong and powerful force for sustainable development.
As regards military operations, Parliament wants the EU to have, with effect from 2004, a 5000-strong force kept in a state of permanent readiness for humanitarian and rescue operations.
EUFOR Althea in Bosnia-Herzegovina had a 7000-strong force of men and women when it took over from NATO in 2004.

Alternatives:

a powerful force
a mighty force
a formidable force
a compelling force
a potent force

The strong force

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific strong force, such as the strong nuclear force in physics.

Use "the strong force" when referring to a specific strong force that is known or has been previously mentioned.