ambition to study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambition to study" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or goal to pursue education or learning. Example: "Her ambition to study medicine was evident from a young age, as she volunteered at the local hospital every summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Surely the bloodiness of Kahlo's paintings cannot be traced simply to her one-time ambition to study medicine, as an interview subject claims.

The New York Times

Her ambition to study law was frustrated by the family's finances, and for 12 years she taught high-school English and history.

Britannica

"It's not my ambition to study my case in isolation," says Dr. Pernice, who adds that identification of the gene will likely be just one more puzzle piece to add to the emerging picture of CMT pathobiology.

Columbia University

On his return home in 1946, aged 25, he was reluctantly persuaded by his father to give up his ambition to study engineering in favour of the family business, once again in dire straits with its premises wrecked by Allied bombing.

The Guardian

On her ambition to study neurology, Neha says: "I'm really quite passionate about the subject so I think it'll be good for me as a career.

BBC

But in the back of his mind Goulder maintained an even more pressing research ambition: to study the immune control of HIV in patients in South Africa, who, unlike those in Boston, were unlikely to receive anti-retroviral treatment.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Helen is getting on well at school now, with ambitions to study medicine.

The Guardian

They told me of their ambitions to study engineering, to make money, to start their own businesses.

The New York Times

Becca Laub, 16, outlined her plans for a tomato- and fish-farming enterprise and her ambitions to study engineering.

The Economist

Stormzy said that when he was at school he had ambitions to study at Oxbridge but some people did not realise the option was open to them.

The Guardian

Nunn, who the court heard has ambitions to study for a law degree, claimed he sent the messages to exercise his right to freedom of speech and to "satirise" the issue of online trolling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ambition to study", ensure it is followed by a specific field or area of study to provide context and clarity. For example: "Her ambition to study medicine motivated her to excel in science classes."

Common error

Avoid using "ambition to study" without specifying the subject or level of study, as this makes the ambition seem unfocused and less credible. Instead of saying "He has an ambition to study", specify "He has an ambition to study astrophysics at the university level."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambition to study" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating a strong desire or goal directed towards pursuing education. Ludwig AI suggests that it is used to express a personal drive for learning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambition to study" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong desire for education. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's essential to provide context by specifying the field of study. The phrase is most common in news and media, but also appears in scientific and academic writing. Alternatives like "desire to learn" or "goal to pursue education" can be used depending on the desired nuance. While "ambition to study" isn't as widespread as some other phrases, it effectively communicates a strong personal drive for learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire to learn

Replaces "ambition" with a more general term for wanting to gain knowledge.

goal to pursue education

Shifts the focus from inherent drive to a planned objective.

aspiration for higher education

Specifies that the ambition is related to advanced learning.

longing to study

Uses a more emotional term to describe the desire.

passion for learning

Highlights the emotional enthusiasm for education.

determination to get an education

Emphasizes the strength of will required.

interest in academic pursuits

Focuses on the activities rather than the underlying ambition.

yearning for knowledge

Emphasizes a deep desire to acquire information.

drive to further studies

Highlights the internal motivation for more advanced learning.

aim to acquire education

Replaces "ambition" with "aim", focusing on the objective.

FAQs

How can I use "ambition to study" in a sentence?

You can use "ambition to study" to describe someone's strong desire to pursue education. For example, "Her "ambition to study" law led her to excel in her pre-law courses."

What are some alternatives to "ambition to study"?

Alternatives include "desire to learn", "goal to pursue education", or "aspiration for higher education" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ambition of studying" instead of "ambition to study"?

While "ambition of studying" isn't grammatically incorrect, "ambition to study" is more common and natural-sounding. The infinitive form is generally preferred when expressing a goal or intention.

What's the difference between "ambition to study" and "interest in studying"?

"Ambition to study" implies a strong, driving force and a long-term goal. "Interest in studying", on the other hand, suggests a milder enthusiasm or curiosity about a particular subject.