ambition to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambition to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or drive to gain knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or concept. Example: "Her ambition to understand the complexities of human behavior led her to pursue a degree in psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was my ambition to understand the world I live in.

The New York Times

The dogged ambition to understand why his mother took her life.

The Guardian - Books

"I feel like a pioneer at the edge of a giant forest," Chivers said, describing her ambition to understand the workings of women's arousal and desire.

The New York Times - Magazine

But his ambition to understand Longo is also admirable.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Joshua must realign his own ambitions to understand what the portal might offer the world and decide just how far he will go to protect the screen against those who see it as a tool for war and destruction, and those who see it as a promise of the next Messiah, promising resurrection and eternal life.

Huffington Post

Shapiro will have none of this and, bringing us down to earth with a bump, his ambition is to understand, as Greenblatt put it, 'how Shakespeare became Shakespeare' by placing him in a world of plague, conspiracy and invasion.

The Guardian - Books

From incorporating the elements of corporate social responsibility into undergraduate core modules to creating executive education programmes dedicated to responsible leadership, future leaders should be encouraged to think further than their own ambition and to understand how the actions of an individual impact on the whole.

The Guardian

His ambition is to understand the biological roots of mental illness and to root them out.

Huffington Post

The motivation for developing a system that can withstand the harsh conditions in the reactor part of the gasifier (30 bar, 1000 °C, reducing conditions and corrosive environment) comes from an ambition to better understand the various stages in the conversion of the fuel (black liquor) and provide spatially resolved data of the gas composition inside the gasification reactor.

Fuel

"City of Ambition" helps us to understand that past.

The New York Times - Books

In straightforward prose, Lightman tells the story of a divorced and childless forty-two-year-old man whose primary ambition has been to "understand the world," rather than change it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambition to understand", ensure that the subject and object of understanding are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This adds precision and focus to your expression.

Common error

Avoid using "ambition to understand" in contexts where a simple curiosity or interest would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or overly dramatic. Use words like "desire", "interest", "wish" or "willingness" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambition to understand" functions as a purpose clause, indicating the reason or objective behind an action or pursuit. It clarifies the intention to gain knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambition to understand" effectively communicates a strong desire for knowledge and comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Appearing frequently in contexts like News & Media and Science, the phrase suits neutral registers and emphasizes a proactive approach to learning. When using "ambition to understand", it's crucial to clearly define the subject matter you are seeking to comprehend, and consider alternatives like "desire to comprehend" or "drive to grasp" depending on the desired nuance. Overall, this phrase adds depth and purpose to your writing, emphasizing a commitment to gaining insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire to comprehend

Focuses on the emotional aspect of wanting to understand, shifting from ambition to a more general desire.

drive to grasp

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in achieving understanding.

yearning for knowledge

Highlights a deep longing for knowledge, adding a sentimental tone.

aspiration to comprehend

Replaces ambition with aspiration, adding a slightly more formal tone.

eagerness to learn

Stresses the enthusiasm and willingness to acquire knowledge.

quest for understanding

Implies a journey or determined search for knowledge.

hunger for insight

Uses a more evocative term (hunger) to describe the need for understanding.

urge to comprehend

Suggests an irresistible impulse to understand.

determination to fathom

Highlights a strong resolve to understand something complex or mysterious, replacing 'understand' with 'fathom'.

passion for insight

Highlights a high level of enthusiasm for acquiring insights.

FAQs

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

You can use "ambition to understand" to express a strong desire to comprehend something, as in, "Her ambition to understand the universe drove her to study astrophysics".

What phrases are similar to "ambition to understand"?

Alternatives include "desire to comprehend", "drive to grasp", or "yearning for knowledge", each conveying a slightly different nuance.

Is "ambition for understanding" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ambition for understanding" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, though "ambition to understand" is often used to indicate a specific goal or purpose.

What's the difference between "ambition to understand" and "desire to understand"?

"Ambition to understand" suggests a more driven and goal-oriented approach, while "desire to understand" implies a more general wish or inclination.