I strived for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I strived for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a goal or aspiration that someone has worked hard to achieve. Example: "Throughout my career, I strived for excellence in every project I undertook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I strived for independence from a young age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For years, she said, they represented a "moral compass and a model of what I strived for".

The New Yorker

I've also done adaptations like the 1997 "Lolita," in which I strived for the illusion of strict fidelity, because my source was so good that I could never hope to better it.

The New York Times

"That's something I strived for with this record, to really get into world-building".

Vice

The thing is, even when I strived for chillfection, things never ended up working out.

Vice

Growing up, scoring my dad's approval was not something I strived for, at least consciously.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I strive for balance.

The New York Times

I strive for that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They give me a plan, and I strive for it".

The New York Times - Magazine

That's just something I strive for in my life and something I hope my son strives for as well".

The New York Times - Sports

But I strive for it, and I always look for it in art myself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I strived for" to clearly communicate a determined effort towards achieving a specific goal, especially when emphasizing the challenges overcome.

Common error

Be careful to use the correct past tense form of 'strive'. While 'strived' is acceptable, 'strove' is often considered more standard, especially in formal writing. It's important to be consistent within your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I strived for" functions as a declarative statement expressing the subject's (I) past effort or determination towards achieving a specific goal or aspiration. As noted by Ludwig, it's a usable phrase, particularly in contexts where highlighting personal ambition is relevant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I strived for" is a grammatically correct and meaningful phrase used to express past efforts toward achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, suggesting it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While "I aimed for" or "I worked towards" serve as good alternatives, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use 'strove' as an alternative past tense, especially in formal writing. When using "I strived for", ensure the context emphasizes your determination and the challenges you overcame.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I aimed for

Focuses on the intention and direction of effort, similar to striving but with a sense of targeting.

I worked towards

Emphasizes the effort and progress made in the pursuit of a goal.

I pursued

Highlights the active chase or quest for something, conveying a strong desire.

I endeavored to achieve

A more formal alternative, stressing the serious and determined effort made.

I sought to obtain

Focuses on the desired outcome or result, suggesting a deliberate and planned approach.

I aspired to

Emphasizes the ambition and high-reaching nature of the goal.

I tried to attain

Highlights the attempt and potential difficulty in reaching the desired outcome.

I made an effort to

Focuses on the exertion of energy and resources towards a specific purpose.

I set out to

Indicates a clear and deliberate start to a journey or project aimed at a specific goal.

I laboured to reach

Implies hard work and struggle to get to the desired outcome

FAQs

What is the difference between "I strived for" and "I aimed for"?

"I strived for" implies a sustained and determined effort, often against challenges, while "I aimed for" simply suggests having a goal in mind. Striving involves more active and persistent work.

Can I use "I strived for" in formal writing?

Yes, "I strived for" is acceptable in formal writing, though the alternative "I endeavored to achieve" might be perceived as more sophisticated in some contexts.

What are some alternatives to "I strived for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I worked towards", "I pursued", or "I sought to obtain" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I strove for" instead of "I strived for"?

Yes, "I strove for" is also a correct and often preferred past tense form of 'strive'. Both are acceptable, but "I strove for" might be considered more traditional or formal.