an ambitious member

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious member" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is part of a group or organization and demonstrates a strong desire to achieve success or advance within that context. Example: "As an ambitious member of the committee, she consistently proposes innovative ideas to improve our community outreach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The assistant belongs to an ambitious member of Parliament in both the professional and biblical senses.

The New York Times - Arts

Party leaders under President Xi Jinping had hoped that prosecuting Mr. Bo, once an ambitious member of the elite Politburo, would demonstrate the party's determination to tame the rampant official corruption that has stoked public ire, posing a potential threat to their hold on power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

One client was ready to anoint a particularly ambitious member of his executive team as the successor leader when word leaked out to the rank and file.

Huffington Post

Now it is the Arabs for which read terrorists who are threatening to imperil America's national security by taking over some of its ports.On February 13th, DP World, a ports operator owned by the government of Dubai, a small but economically ambitious member of the United Arab Emirates, paid $6.8 billion to acquire P&O, a British firm which runs a global network of maritime terminals.

The Economist

I have seen former colleagues be highly judgmental of an ambitious staff member who has intentions to climb the career ladder.

The Guardian

BEIJING — The Chinese security chief, Zhou Yongkang, completed a prominent tour of the volatile region of Xinjiang last week, a sign that he still had a firm hold on his post and wielded power despite the fact that he had opposed the purging of Bo Xilai, an ambitious Politburo member.

The New York Times

Mr. Cantor, an ambitious young member of Congress who has risen quickly, has all of the qualities to become the target of Democratic ridicule: He is absolute in his rhetoric and uncompromising in his policies, and appears willing to take the heat if necessary.

The New York Times

But just when Chiang believed himself completely isolated, General Tang Shengzhi, an ambitious senior member of the Military Affairs Commission, spoke out in defense of Chiang's position, although the accounts vary on whether Tang vociferously jumped to Chiang's aid or whether he only reluctantly stepped up the plate.

Wikipedia

Slovakia, which will join the European Union next month along with nine other countries, has gone from being a laggard to perhaps the hungriest and most ambitious member of its entering class.

The New York Times

"It is a milestone for EU tax policy, as it paves the way for more ambitious member states to progress on a tax file, even when unanimity could not be achieved," said Algirdas Semeta, the European Commissioner for tax.

BBC

That campaign, called "smash the black," was started by Bo Xilai, the city's party chief and ambitious member of the central Politburo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "an ambitious member", ensure the context clarifies the focus of their ambition, whether it's career advancement, project success, or organizational growth. Using specific details enhances the impact of the description.

Common error

Avoid using "an ambitious member" without providing specific examples of their actions or goals. Generic use can sound insincere. Instead, showcase concrete instances demonstrating their drive and initiative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious member" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "member" with the adjective "ambitious", characterizing the individual's qualities. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambitious member" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize an individual within a group who demonstrates a strong desire for success or advancement. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral, it's crucial to provide context to clarify the focus of their ambition and avoid potential negative connotations. Alternatives such as "a driven member" or "a highly motivated member" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Therefore, "an ambitious member" effectively conveys a person's aspirations and proactive nature within an organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a driven member

Focuses on the internal motivation and energy driving the member.

a highly motivated member

Emphasizes the member's strong desire to achieve goals.

a goal-oriented member

Highlights the member's focus on achieving specific targets.

a proactive member

Indicates the member takes initiative and acts in advance.

an enterprising member

Suggests the member is resourceful and innovative in their approach.

a forward-thinking member

Highlights the member's focus on future possibilities and advancements.

an aspiring member

Focuses on the member's desire to reach a higher position or status.

a high-achieving member

Emphasizes the member's history of success and accomplishments.

a zealous member

Highlights the member's passion and enthusiasm.

a dynamic member

Implies the member is energetic and contributes significantly.

FAQs

How can I use "an ambitious member" in a sentence?

You can use "an ambitious member" to describe someone within a group who actively seeks advancement or strives for significant achievements. For instance, "As "an ambitious member" of the team, she consistently sought out opportunities to lead new projects."

What are some alternatives to "an ambitious member"?

Alternatives include "a driven member", "a highly motivated member", or "a goal-oriented member". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the person's drive and aspirations.

Is it always positive to be described as "an ambitious member"?

While ambition is often seen as a positive trait, the perception can vary depending on the context and how it's demonstrated. If ambition is perceived as being pursued at the expense of others or ethical considerations, it can be viewed negatively. Using phrases like "a zealous member" can sometimes soften the connotation.

What qualities define "an ambitious member" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, "an ambitious member" typically exhibits qualities such as a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and grow, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a willingness to take on new challenges. These individuals often seek opportunities for leadership and advancement within the organization.