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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I'm striving
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
27 human-written examples
But that's what I'm striving for.
News & Media
Fashion is not the world I'm striving for".
News & Media
"I'm striving for authenticity, that's my primary goal".
News & Media
"I'm striving for authenticity, that's my primary goal," he said in an interview.
News & Media
I'm not perfect, but I'm striving to be, like we say in yoga.
News & Media
Just like the lodge, I'm striving to obey the first rule of surfing: no pressure.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
32 human-written examples
"What I was striving for was authenticity.
News & Media
When I choreograph, I am striving for perfection but I'm actually striving for imperfection.
News & Media
EATING My wife and I are striving for the simplest pizza that has the most taste.
News & Media
"Without any doubt, I am striving for power," he has said publicly.
News & Media
"I was thinking in my mind about the hard work I put in, all the time I was striving since I was a kid," Liddi said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Reserve this phrase for meaningful or ambitious efforts, as it carries more weight than simply saying "I'm trying"
Common error
Avoid using "striving" as a synonym for "struggling." While both involve difficulty, "striving" is positive and goal-oriented, whereas "struggling" often implies a lack of progress or a state of being overwhelmed.
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I'm striving" functions as a present continuous verb construction. It combines the first-person singular pronoun "I" with the contracted auxiliary verb "am" and the present participle of the verb "strive." This structure indicates an ongoing action or a current state of persistence. In the data provided by Ludwig, this is frequently seen in self-reflective statements regarding personal or professional growth.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Social Media
10%
Encyclopedias
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "I'm striving" is a robust and sophisticated way to express active, goal-oriented effort. Unlike simpler verbs, it carries a connotation of ambition and moral or professional excellence. Analysis of Ludwig AI data reveals that it is most frequently used in contexts where speakers are describing their long-term visions or personal standards, particularly in high-quality journalism and scientific career reflections. Whether you are "striving" for progress or perfection, this phrase effectively signals to your audience that your efforts are deliberate and significant. It is best used when you want to bridge the gap between where you are now and a desired high-level achievement.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I am aiming
Focuses more on the specific target or goal being pursued
I'm seeking
Implies looking for a particular state or object rather than just working hard
I am attempting
Slightly more formal and focuses on the act of trying a specific task
I'm working toward
Highlights the ongoing process and labor involved in reaching a milestone
I'm pursuing
Suggests a more active and potentially long-term chase of an objective
I'm endeavoring to
Significantly more formal and academic in tone
I am trying
The most common and basic way to express effort without the nuance of high ambition
I'm aspiring
Focuses on the hope or desire to reach a higher status or quality
I'm straining
Emphasizes extreme or difficult physical or mental exertion
I'm pushing
Often used in athletic or high-pressure professional contexts to denote intense effort
FAQs
What is the difference between "striving for" and "striving to"?
The choice depends on the part of speech that follows. Use "striving for" before nouns like success or perfection. Use "striving to" before verbs, such as to win or to grow.
Is "I'm striving" too informal for a cover letter?
No, it is appropriate, but using "I am endeavoring to" or "I am committed to" can sometimes provide a more polished, professional tone.
What can I say instead of "I'm striving" in a casual conversation?
In casual settings, you can use simpler phrases like "I'm trying my best" or "I'm working on it".
Can I use "I'm striving" to describe a physical action?
Yes, although it usually refers to abstract goals. If you are physically straining, "I am exerting" or "I am straining" might be more accurate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested