a strong drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong drive" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a strong desire or motivation to achieve or accomplish something. Example: John's strong drive to succeed pushed him to work hard and excel in his studies, eventually earning him a scholarship to a prestigious university.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jersey were not about to let things slip though, and a penalty try following a strong drive towards the line put them back firmly in the driving seat with just over ten minutes remaining.

BBC

Some, like Rahman Mohibur, revealed a strong drive to succeed.

The New York Times

The reason is that there is this limbic system that produces a strong drive.

The New Yorker

I've got quite a strong drive and that can be slightly deplorable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Accumulating fat for the winter is thus a strong drive, and it explains the constant search for food through the summer and fall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The familiar pieces were there: after an inconsistent early effort, the Giants held the Eagles to a field goal after a strong drive early in the final quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

He is a writer who very much invests the mundane with a mythic beauty, and I think I have a strong drive toward that end as well.

The New Yorker

Posing a robot as a human could dangerously confuse these lines, potentially misleading authorities facing a strong drive to cut costs and automate processes.

The Guardian - Tech

After hitting a strong drive, Allenby's blasted a tremendous 3-wood approach shot from 220 yards that sailed like a javelin through the damp air.

The New York Times - Sports

But underneath his quietness was a strong drive that underlay his industry, and a moral sensibility that infused his academic work.

The Guardian

He spliced his smooth release in with a strong drive to the basket, releasing a pretty floater over the Pacers' front line that never touched the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong drive" to emphasize a powerful internal force that motivates action or achievement. For example, "Her strong drive to succeed in medicine led her to study tirelessly."

Common error

While "a strong drive" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "compelling impetus" or "resolute determination" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong drive" functions as a noun phrase, where "strong" modifies the noun "drive". It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing a powerful internal force or motivation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong drive" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey intense motivation or ambition. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its use across diverse contexts such as news, science, and sports. While versatile, consider the formality of your writing and explore alternatives like "powerful motivation" or "burning ambition" for a more nuanced expression. When using "a strong drive", ensure you're emphasizing the proactive force behind an action or goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful motivation

Emphasizes the intensity of the motivating force.

a compelling impetus

Highlights the force that initiates action or progress.

a burning ambition

Focuses on a passionate and intense desire for achievement.

a resolute determination

Stresses unwavering resolve and firmness of purpose.

an intense passion

Highlights the fervor and enthusiasm driving the action.

a relentless pursuit

Emphasizes the persistence and tenacity in achieving a goal.

a vigorous push

Focuses on the effort and energy exerted to move forward.

a determined effort

Highlights the purposeful and focused attempt to accomplish something.

a firm resolve

Stresses a strong and unwavering decision or intention.

a hearty endeavor

Emphasizes enthusiastic and sincere effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong drive" to describe someone's intense motivation or ambition, as in: "He demonstrated "a strong drive" to improve his skills."

What are some alternatives to "a strong drive"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "powerful motivation", "burning ambition", or "determined effort".

Is it correct to say "a strong drive for success"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. The phrase "a strong drive for success" is commonly used to describe someone highly motivated to achieve success.

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

While both indicate motivation, ""a strong drive"" implies a proactive, energetic pursuit, whereas "a strong desire" focuses on the feeling of wanting something intensely.