I strove for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I strove for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong effort or ambition to achieve something. Example: "Throughout my career, I strove for excellence in every project I undertook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Later, that sense of mastery is what I strove for in my professional life.

The New York Times - Travel

"I strove for clubs no one else had, and clubs that did not exist anywhere else in the world.

The New York Times - Arts

It was admittedly sort of a hokey idea on paper, but I remembered a wistful Paul Simon baseball song called "Night Game," which is not really about sports at all, and I strove for a bit of that feeling.

The New York Times

"In the studio, I strove for perfection.

Huffington Post

I strove for the highest grades in school.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

"I strived for independence from a young age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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 strove for" to convey a sense of determined effort, particularly when reflecting on past actions and their impact. It's suitable for describing significant personal or professional achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "strove" in very casual conversations or writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tried" or "worked for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I strove for" functions as a statement of past action. It typically introduces a clause indicating a goal or objective that was actively pursued. Ludwig AI shows its use in examples related to professional life, perfection, and independence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I strove for" is a grammatically sound way to express past efforts toward achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI indicates it is deemed correct, though relatively rare in usage. While the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, it may sound more formal than necessary in casual contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "aimed for" or "worked towards" to match the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I aimed for

Focuses on the intention or target of the effort, rather than the intensity of the effort itself.

I worked towards

Emphasizes the process and sustained effort over time to achieve something.

I pursued

Highlights the active chase or seeking of a particular objective or goal.

I aspired to

Implies a higher, more ambitious goal or a desire for excellence.

I sought to

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful attempt to achieve a specific outcome.

I endeavored to

A more formal and emphatic way of saying 'I tried' or 'I attempted'.

I tried to achieve

More explicitly states the attempt and the desired outcome.

I dedicated myself to

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to a particular cause or goal.

I committed to

Focuses on dedication and obligation to a particular cause or goal.

I set out to

Implies a deliberate beginning or embarking on a journey towards a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "I strove for" in a sentence?

You can use "I strove for" to describe a past effort toward achieving a goal. For example, "During my education, "I strove for" academic excellence."

What are some alternatives to "I strove for"?

Alternatives include "I aimed for", "I worked towards", or "I pursued". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I strived for" or "I strove for" correct?

"I strove for" is the correct past tense form of the verb "strive". "Strived" is also acceptable, though less common, particularly in formal writing.

What is the difference between "I strove for" and "I hoped for"?

""I strove for"" implies active effort and exertion towards a goal, while "I hoped for" simply expresses a desire without necessarily implying action. The former suggests more agency and determination.