I strive

USAGE SUMMARY

"I strive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express a sense of effort and/or determination. For example, "I strive to be the best version of myself that I can be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I strive for balance.

The New York Times

I strive for that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I strive to replicate this level".

The New York Times - Travel

I strive to be a female Warhol.

The Guardian - Music

I strive to meditate the right way.

Yale University

I strive to find that elegance of form in architecture".

The New York Times

In short, I strive to be like him.

The New York Times

That's something I strive to do in my own work.

The New Yorker

"I strive to be old-fashioned and fail," he said.

The New York Times

And I strive to have ethics and integrity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I strive to be one of the few".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I strive" to express ongoing effort and a strong commitment to achieving a goal. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, "I strive" can sound repetitive in overly formal writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "I aim" or "I endeavor" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I strive" functions as an intransitive verb phrase expressing a subject's determined effort or ambition. It is often followed by 'to' + verb (infinitive) or 'for' + noun, indicating the object of that effort. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I strive" is a versatile and widely used phrase that effectively conveys a commitment to ongoing effort and aspiration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, though careful consideration should be given to avoid overuse in overly formal writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent appearance in News & Media and Academic sources. When you are looking for similar expressions you can use "I aim" or "I aspire" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember that "I strive for" takes a noun as an argument while "I strive to" is followed by a verb. You can use these and other suggestions to vary your style and improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I aspire

This alternative emphasizes a higher goal or ambition.

I aim

This alternative shifts the focus slightly from continuous effort to a specific target.

I pursue

This alternative suggests actively chasing a goal or ambition.

I endeavor

This alternative is more formal and suggests a serious attempt.

I am committed to

This alternative emphasizes dedication and responsibility.

I am driven to

This alternative emphasizes internal motivation and force.

I work towards

This alternative highlights the ongoing effort and progress.

I set out to

This alternative focuses on the initial intention and plan.

I dedicate myself to

This alternative implies a strong commitment and focus.

I make an effort

This alternative is a more general way to express trying to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "I strive" in a sentence?

You can use "I strive" to express your commitment to achieving a specific goal or maintaining a certain quality. For example, "I strive to be a better person" or "I strive for excellence in my work".

What are some alternatives to "I strive"?

Some alternatives to "I strive" include "I aim", "I aspire", or "I endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "I strive for" or "I strive to"?

"I strive for" is followed by a noun, while "I strive to" is followed by a verb. For example, "I strive for excellence" and "I strive to improve my skills" are both correct.

What is the difference between "I strive" and "I try"?

"I strive" implies a continuous, dedicated effort towards a significant goal. "I try" is more general and can refer to a single attempt or a less intense effort. For example, if you say "I try to do better", it means that from time to time you put some effort into doing it, but if you say "I strive to do better" it means that you are permanently putting effort into becoming better.