Drive for authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Drive for authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong motivation or desire to gain power, control, or influence over others or a situation. Example: "His drive for authority often led him to take charge in group projects, even when it wasn't his role."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I drive for her, too.

The New Yorker

We drive for a while.

The New Yorker

We drove for her".

Independent

Wade drove for consecutive layups.

The New York Times - Sports

The increased presence of variable renewable generation drives a greater need for authorities to procure more ancillary services (AS) for grid balance.

Applied Energy

[Participant #5] The majority of participants talked about the necessity for doctors to drive change given their authority in terms of decision-making.

BMJ Open

Others drove themselves, authorities said.

Los Angeles Times

This drove the authorities to take even more drastic measures.

Vice

His brief statement cast some confusion on the drive for reform within his Palestinian Authority.

The New York Times

Mr. Arafat's brief remarks cast some confusion on the drive for reform in his Palestinian Authority, which has increasingly been viewed by many Palestinians as inefficient, corrupt and autocratic.

The New York Times

"They think they can drive in New York for one year," he said, adding that the authorities are now seeing the scam coming out of North Carolina as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "drive for authority", consider the context. It often implies a negative connotation, suggesting that the person is overly ambitious or power-hungry. Ensure that this implication is intentional.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "drive for authority" excessively in your writing. It can sound repetitive and unnatural. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "desire for control" or "ambition for power".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Drive for authority" functions as a noun phrase describing a strong motivation or ambition. It highlights the energy and focus directed towards gaining power or control. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive for authority" is grammatically correct and describes a strong motivation to gain power or control. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context in which it's used, as it can often imply a negative connotation. Alternative phrases like "desire for control" or "ambition for power" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Due to the limited number of examples, its frequency is considered rare, but it can be appropriately used in neutral registers, as long as the potentially negative implication is considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Desire for control

Focuses on the inherent want of control rather than the active pursuit.

Ambition for power

Emphasizes the aspiration for a position of influence.

Pursuit of dominance

Highlights the active chasing of a superior position.

Quest for control

Implies a longer, more involved search for authority.

Yearning for authority

Suggests a deep longing for a position of power.

Striving for influence

Emphasizes the effort put into gaining influence.

Push for control

Highlights a forceful attempt to gain control.

Campaign for authority

Implies a structured and organized effort to gain power.

Determination to dominate

Focuses on a strong resolve to achieve a position of dominance.

Craving for power

Indicates a strong and intense desire for power.

FAQs

How can I use "Drive for authority" in a sentence?

You can use "Drive for authority" to describe someone's strong motivation to gain power or control. For example, "His drive for authority often led him to make unpopular decisions."

What are some alternatives to "Drive for authority"?

You can use alternatives like "desire for control", "ambition for power", or "pursuit of dominance depending on the context.

Is it better to say "Drive for authority" or "Desire for authority"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "desire for authority" focuses more on the inherent want, while "Drive for authority" emphasizes the active pursuit or ambition.

What is the connotation of "Drive for authority"?

The phrase "Drive for authority" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person is overly ambitious, power-hungry or willing to use unethical methods to reach the power.