Courage for our friends vs Determination vs Strength vs Support

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Courage for our friends

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Determination

Top 2,000 (common)B2noun

Strength

Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun

Support

Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
 Courage for our friendsDeterminationStrengthSupport
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈkʌrɪdʒ fɔː aʊə frɛndz//🇺🇸 //ˈkɜrɪdʒ fɔr aʊər frɛndz//🇬🇧 /["/dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˌtɜːrmɪˈneɪʃn/"]/🇬🇧 /["/streŋkθ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/streŋkθ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/səˈpɔːt/","/səˈpɔːts/","/səˈpɔːtɪd/","/səˈpɔːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈpɔːrt/","/səˈpɔːrts/","/səˈpɔːrtɪd/","/səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/"]/
MeaningBeing brave and supportive for our friends.The quality of being determined to do something.The ability to be strong or powerful.To give help or assistance.
ExampleWe need to show courage for our friends in tough times.Her determination to succeed helped her overcome all obstacles.Her strength helped her lift the heavy box with ease.I want to support my friends in their endeavors.
RegisterNeutralNeutralNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B2B1A2
Part of speechnounnounverb
Collocationsshow courage for, have courage for, support with courage, express courage fordogged, fierce, great, be full of, have, demonstrate, with determination, determination to succeed, win, etc., age, sex, accurateconsiderable, enormous, great, have, possess, lack, grow, increase, decline, up to strength, below strength, under strength, at full strength, back to full strength, every ounce of strength, considerable, enormous, great, have, possess, lack, grow, increase, decline, up to strength, below strength, under strength, at full strength, back to full strength, every ounce of strength, considerable, enormous, great, have, possess, lack, grow, increase, decline, up to strength, below strength, under strength, at full strength, back to full strength, every ounce of strength, considerable, enormous, great, have, possess, lack, grow, increase, decline, up to strength, below strength, under strength, at full strength, back to full strength, every ounce of strength, considerable, enormous, great, have, possess, lack, grow, increase, decline, up to strength, below strength, under strength, at full strength, back to full strength, every ounce of strength, great, real, individual, capitalize on, exploit, play to, come from something, lie in something, strengths and weaknesses, considerable, enormous, great, have, possess, lack, grow, increase, decline, up to strength, below strength, under strength, at full strength, back to full strength, every ounce of strengthoverwhelmingly, fervently, fully, agree to, pledge to, promise to, in, be well supported, be widely supported, support and encourage somebody/​something, overwhelmingly, fervently, fully, agree to, pledge to, promise to, in, be well supported, be widely supported, support and encourage somebody/​something, financially, generously, partially, help (to), through, financially, generously, partially, help (to), through, strongly, weakly, adequately, appear to, seem to, tend to, be supported by data, be supported by evidence, be well supported
Antonyms-indecision, weakness, hesitationweakness, frailtyoppose, hinder, neglect
Common mistakesConfusing 'courage for our friends' with 'courage from our friends'., Using it in a sarcastic tone, which can change its meaning., Neglecting to use it in situations where emotional support is discussed.Confusing with 'determined' which describes someone with determination., Using in contexts that require more specific terms like 'resolve' or 'tenacity'.Confused with 'strong', which is an adjective., Using 'strengths' when referring to good qualities or skills, but should specify context., May forget to use in plural form where applicable (e.g., 'strengths' for multiple qualities).Confused with 'supplement', which means to add to something., Using 'support' as a noun without clarification (e.g. 'She gave support' is vague)., Mixing up 'support' and 'oppose'.
Usage notesUse 'courage for our friends' in contexts discussing support or bravery in relationships. It's appropriate in motivational contexts but can feel overly formal in casual conversations.Use 'determination' in both formal and casual contexts to describe strong will or persistence. It's less common in very informal conversations.Used when talking about physical power, mental resilience, or overall capacity. In formal contexts, it might refer to both human and material strength. Avoid using in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'power' may suffice.This word can be used in many contexts like emotional support, financial help, or supporting a cause. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.

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Courage for our friends
Determination
Strength

Frequently asked questions: Courage for our friends vs Determination vs Strength vs Support

What's the difference between Courage for our friends, Determination, Strength, and Support?

Courage for our friends: Being brave and supportive for our friends. Determination: The quality of being determined to do something. Strength: The ability to be strong or powerful. Support: To give help or assistance.

Which is more advanced: Courage for our friends, Determination, Strength, and Support?

Determination is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Can you show an example of each?

Courage for our friends: We need to show courage for our friends in tough times. Determination: Her determination to succeed helped her overcome all obstacles. Strength: Her strength helped her lift the heavy box with ease. Support: I want to support my friends in their endeavors.

Can I use Courage for our friends, Determination, Strength, and Support interchangeably?

Not always. Courage for our friends, Determination, Strength, and Support are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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