To strive for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To strive for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a goal or aspiration that one is working towards. Example: "In life, it is important to strive for personal growth and self-improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To strive for perfection brings disaster again and again.

The New York Times

They deserve something special to strive for.

The New Yorker

"It's something for us to strive for.

The New York Times - Sports

"For to strive for be happy".

The New York Times - Health

They will continue to strive for justice.

The Guardian

I have to strive for it.

The New York Times

"We need to strive for both".

The New York Times

"As if being typical were something to strive for".

The New Yorker

So Stewart seems to strive for a synthesis.

The New Yorker

The experiment's limitations prompted him to strive for greater realism.

The New Yorker

Your achievements will motivate us to strive for the best.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to strive for", ensure that the goal is clearly defined and attainable, fostering motivation and progress.

Common error

Avoid using "to strive for" in overly generic or cliché contexts, such as "to strive for success" without specifying what constitutes success in that situation. Instead, be specific and provide context to make the phrase more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to strive for" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as an adverbial of purpose, explaining the intention or reason behind an action. Ludwig's examples show it introducing the objective or goal that someone is actively pursuing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to strive for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies making a dedicated effort toward a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific writing, it conveys a sense of aspiration and ongoing effort. While alternatives like "to aspire to" or "to aim for" exist, "to strive for" maintains its relevance by clearly communicating intent and dedication. Remember to use it with specificity to maximize impact and avoid clichés.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To aspire to

Implies a higher, more ambitious goal.

To aim for

Suggests a more direct and focused effort.

To pursue

Emphasizes the act of following or chasing after something.

To work towards

Highlights the effort and progress made over time.

To endeavor to achieve

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing effort toward a goal.

To seek to attain

Focuses on the intention and effort to reach a specific outcome.

To set one's sights on

Suggests a clear and intentional focus on a particular goal.

To have ambitions for

Highlights personal aspirations and desires.

To make an effort to gain

Emphasizes the exertion of effort to acquire something.

To commit oneself to

Highlights the dedication and resolve to achieve a goal.

FAQs

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

Use "to strive for" to indicate an ongoing effort towards a goal. For example, "We must "to strive for" excellence in all that we do" demonstrates a continuous pursuit of high standards.

What are some alternatives to "to strive for"?

Alternatives include "to aspire to", "to aim for", or "to pursue", each carrying slightly different nuances of intention and ambition.

Is it better to say "strive for" or "strive to"?

"Strive for" is typically followed by a noun, while "strive to" is followed by a verb. For example, "strive for excellence" versus "strive to improve".

What's the difference between "to strive for" and "to achieve"?

"To strive for" implies ongoing effort and may not guarantee success, whereas "to achieve" indicates the successful attainment of a goal. One might "to strive for" a promotion, but only some will "to achieve" it.