I have been driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have been driven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being motivated or compelled to take action, often in a personal or professional context. Example: "I have been driven to succeed in my career ever since I graduated from college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I have been driven to succeed.

The New York Times

"I have been driven to get educated.

The New York Times

I have been driven to own something.

The New York Times

I have been driven around the militarised alphabet soup of the occupied West Bank.

Independent

I have been driven to leave something for my kids that was never left for me".

The New York Times

"I have been driven to the edge by parental alienation for many years now".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I was happy there, but I've been driven out".

The Guardian

"I'm not moving out," he told the Guardian, "I've been driven out".

The Guardian - Sport

"I've been driven by righting a wrong," says Erik Samuelson, one of the founders of A.F.C. Wimbledon.

The New York Times - Sports

I had been driven home in that car many nights, after parties had gone late and I had fallen asleep in some strange bed or other.

The New Yorker

I've been driven to break the monotony of cool season cooking; there are only so many stews one can eat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have been driven" to convey a strong sense of purpose or motivation arising from internal or external factors. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the source and intensity of your drive.

Common error

Avoid using "I have been driven" when the motivation is purely external and lacks personal investment. Instead, opt for phrases like "I was instructed" or "I was required" to better reflect the nature of the impetus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have been driven" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of being influenced or motivated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is commonly used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, indicating both internal and external sources of motivation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

HuffPost

20%

The Guardian

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have been driven" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong sense of motivation or compulsion, as validated by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and finds common application in news, personal narratives, and professional settings. The phrase can convey both internal and external sources of motivation. While commonly used, careful attention should be paid to the specific context to ensure the most appropriate alternative isn't more fitting. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase accurately captures the intent to convey the driving force behind actions and decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have been impelled

A more formal and less common way of saying compelled, suggesting a strong internal force.

I was compelled

Expresses a strong sense of obligation or necessity, similar to being driven, but often implies external forces.

I was motivated

Focuses on internal desire and incentive, a more positive connotation than "driven".

I felt obliged

Highlights a sense of duty, often by social or moral expectations.

I have felt pressured

Emphasizes external influence and stress, suggesting a less voluntary action.

I was spurred on

Suggests encouragement or incitement to action, focusing on external stimuli.

I was transported

Emphasizes the act of being moved from one place to another, focusing on physical movement.

I have been steered

Implies guidance or direction, often by someone else, influencing one's path.

I was taken

Implies being escorted or led, rather than self-propelled movement or internal motivation.

I was carried

Suggests being moved or supported by something or someone else, often passively.

FAQs

How can I use "I have been driven" in a sentence?

You can use "I have been driven" to express a strong sense of motivation or compulsion, as in "I have been driven to succeed in my career" or "I have been driven by a desire to help others".

What's the difference between "I have been driven" and "I was motivated"?

"I have been driven" suggests a more intense, perhaps relentless, force, while "I was motivated" implies a more positive and willing inclination.

What are some alternatives to "I have been driven"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I was compelled", "I felt obliged", or "I was spurred on".

Is "I have been driven" formal or informal?

"I have been driven" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally suitable for professional and neutral settings.