Strive for perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Strive for perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to aim for the highest standards in their work or personal development. Example: "In our pursuit of excellence, we must always strive for perfection in every project we undertake."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strive for perfection by continually removing waste  .

Insights into Imaging

Strive for perfection by continually removing successive layers of waste as they are uncovered (Haque and James-moore 2004).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Strive for perfection!

WikiHow

Strive for perfection on each and every assignment.

WikiHow

Strive for perfection, but realize that it's more important to have fun at your talent.

WikiHow

Likewise, we strive for perfection with the perfect tree, the perfect gift, the perfect holiday outfit, and, of course, the perfect family.

Huffington Post

Though sabermetricians strive for perfection, a truly perfect statistic will never exist.

WikiHow

This idea (that man is perfectible and so should strive for perfection) has been around for 2,000 years, but it has lately been streamlined and turbo-charged: in its contemporary incarnation, it regards any unfulfilled human potentialities as a particularly sad and sclerotic form of entropy.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's good to strive for perfection but understand that you're never going to be perfect.

Huffington Post

"We strive for perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

Do not strive for perfection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Strive for perfection", balance the aspiration for excellence with the understanding that mistakes are inevitable and part of the learning process. Emphasize continuous improvement and effort.

Common error

Avoid setting unattainable goals. While striving for perfection is admirable, recognize that it's often an ideal rather than a reality. Focus on progress and improvement instead of fixating on flawless results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Strive for perfection" primarily functions as an imperative or directive, encouraging a high level of effort and commitment towards achieving an ideal standard. Ludwig's examples show it used in varied contexts, from personal development to professional aspirations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Strive for perfection" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that encourages aiming for the highest possible standards. Ludwig's analysis, based on numerous examples from various sources, shows it is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, balancing the pursuit of excellence with the understanding that perfection itself may be unattainable. Alternatives like "pursue excellence" or "aim for excellence" can provide similar motivation without setting unrealistic expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pursue excellence

Emphasizes the continuous effort towards achieving high quality rather than a final perfect state.

Aim for excellence

Similar to pursuing excellence, this focuses on setting a high standard as a target.

Seek flawlessness

Highlights the attempt to eliminate all imperfections, potentially implying a more meticulous approach.

Aspire to perfection

Focuses on the ambition and desire to reach a perfect state, often used in a more philosophical context.

Target flawlessness

Directly emphasizes the act of focusing on achieving a state without flaws.

Shoot for the stars

An idiomatic expression that encourages aiming for ambitious goals, not necessarily limited to perfection.

Reach for the sky

Similar to shooting for the stars, this encourages high aspirations and ambition.

Give it your all

Focuses on maximizing effort rather than achieving a specific outcome of perfection.

Do your best

Emphasizes putting in one's best effort, regardless of the final result's perfection.

Go the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations and putting in extra effort, which contributes to achieve the perfection.

FAQs

How can I use "Strive for perfection" in a sentence?

You can use "Strive for perfection" to encourage someone to aim for the highest standards in their work or personal development. For example, "In our pursuit of excellence, we must always "strive for perfection" in every project we undertake."

What are some alternatives to "Strive for perfection"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue excellence", "aim for excellence", or "aspire to perfection" depending on the context.

Is it better to "Strive for perfection" or "Settle for excellence"?

While both phrases suggest a commitment to high standards, "strive for perfection" implies an ongoing effort toward an ideal, whereas "settle for excellence" suggests a recognition that perfection is unattainable but high quality is still achievable. The best choice depends on the context and the desired message.

When should I avoid using the phrase "Strive for perfection"?

Avoid using "Strive for perfection" in situations where it might create undue pressure or unrealistic expectations. It's also best to avoid it when the context requires flexibility and adaptability rather than rigid adherence to an ideal.