a drive for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a drive for" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe motivation or ambition to achieve a particular goal. For example, "She has a drive for success that is unparalleled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is also a drive for everyday glamour.

The New York Times

Plus, picking a drive for Apple's Time Machine.

The New York Times

Designate a drive for data transfer, and do not use that same drive for permanent storage.

Cornell University

We pursue education, research, and innovation with a drive for meaningful impact.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They launched a drive for Californians to buy their own insurance, privately.

The New Yorker

Americans are raised with a drive for progression, a fend-for-yourself mentality.

The Economist

Iowa State failed to sustain a drive for longer than 35 yards.

The New York Times

Third was a "technical transformation", as firms shunned simple labour arbitrage in a drive for quality.

The Economist

Parallel to the Walmart campaign is a drive for higher wages in the fast-food industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tories splutter and insist a drive for transparency could do the job.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

*A drive for dominance and a willingness to use violence to attain goals.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drive for" to clearly indicate a strong internal motivation or collective effort towards achieving a specific objective. For example, "The company has a strong drive for innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "a drive for" when referring to a literal journey or route. Instead, use phrases like "a drive to" or "a road trip to" to describe physical travel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drive for" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong motivation, ambition, or persistent effort towards a specific goal. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts to express a directed energy or impetus. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a drive for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies strong motivation or ambition toward a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread acceptance in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, denoting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an internal or collective push toward an objective, and avoid confusing it with literal directions. Alternative phrases like "a quest for" or "a pursuit of" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pursuit of

Emphasizes the action of pursuing a goal, instead of the internal motivation.

a motivation towards

Uses "motivation" instead of "drive", focusing on the reason behind an action.

a push for

Implies an active effort or campaign to achieve something.

an ambition toward

Replaces "drive" with "ambition", emphasizing a strong desire or goal.

a quest for

Substitutes "drive" with "quest", suggesting a more dedicated and prolonged search.

an eagerness for

Highlights enthusiasm and readiness.

an impetus for

Suggests a force that initiates action or progress.

a campaign for

Replaces "drive" with "campaign", emphasizing a series of planned activities designed to achieve a specific objective.

a hunger for

Emphasizes a strong, insatiable desire.

a yearning for

Conveys a deep longing or desire, adding an emotional aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a drive for" to describe a strong motivation or ambition towards a specific goal. For example, "The team's success is attributed to their relentless drive for excellence."

What are some alternatives to "a drive for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a quest for", "a pursuit of", or "an ambition toward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drive to" interchangeable with "drive for"?

No, "drive to" usually refers to a physical act of driving, as in "a drive to the store", whereas "a drive for" describes motivation, as in "a drive for success". They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "a drive for" and "a desire for"?

"A drive for" implies a stronger, more active motivation than "a desire for". While desire is a wish or longing, drive suggests initiative and effort. You might have "a desire for" a new car, but "a drive for" success in your career.