an escalating drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an escalating drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a growing or intensifying motivation or effort towards a particular goal or objective. Example: "The team demonstrated an escalating drive to improve their performance as the deadline approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the 1990s, the escalating drive for tougher education standards, better test scores, and more accountability coincided with a declining commitment to racial desegregation.

The Washington Post

In a two-pronged maneuver, E.C.I. sought to intimidate critics of Netanyahu, and of Israel's most powerful American backers, for the escalating drive to war with Iran, and to damage Obama.

The New Yorker

The Sixth East Asia and Pacific Ministerial Consultation on Children was presented with evidence that trafficking and sex exploitation of children was escalating driven by both domestic and foreign demand.

Unicef

In some countries of the former U.S.S.R., poaching escalated, driven by economic problems and made easy by a breakdown in law enforcement and border controls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Earlier, the NASUWT backed an escalating campaign of industrial action over what it called "ideologically driven attacks" on state education.

BBC

The stinging rebuke from the Court of Justice of the European Union was the latest salvo in an escalating confrontation over the drive by Poland's ruling party to take control of the country's judiciary, one of many ongoing battles between Warsaw and Brussels.

The New York Times

Club House There are limitless places to party in Las Vegas, where one-upmanship drives an escalating cycle of openings.

The New York Times - Travel

Most now believe that the Holocaust was an escalating series of actions, driven by pressure both from above and from below.

The New Yorker

These magpies may engage in an escalating series of behaviours to drive off intruders.

Wikipedia

Similar scenarios have since repeated themselves in an escalating cycle of street violence, drive by shootings, abductions, arson attacks, bombings and random sniping.

Vice

If other volcanic systems are similarly sensitive then we could be faced with an escalating burst of volcanic activity as anthropogenic climate change drives sea levels ever upwards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an escalating drive" to describe a situation where efforts or momentum are visibly increasing over time toward a specific goal or outcome. This highlights the dynamic nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "an escalating drive" in contexts where 'drive' might be mistaken for a literal, physical action. Ensure the context clearly implies a metaphorical push or motivation rather than a vehicle or road.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an escalating drive" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. The escalating component describes the nature of the drive, indicating an increasing intensity or momentum.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

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Academia

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an escalating drive" denotes a growing and intensifying effort towards a specific goal. While deemed grammatically correct, Ludwig's analysis indicates that no examples were found in the current dataset. Despite the lack of examples, the phrase remains usable in a variety of formal contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. It is crucial to ensure clarity in its usage to avoid misinterpretation of 'drive' as a physical action. Several alternatives exist, such as "a growing impetus" or "intensifying efforts", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensifying efforts

Highlights the increased intensity of actions taken, differing from a general inclination by emphasizing the actions themselves.

a growing impetus

Focuses on the increasing force or energy behind an action, shifting from gradual increase to the driving force itself.

a heightened push

Suggests a more forceful and deliberate action, contrasting with the organic growth implied by "escalating".

an increasing momentum

Emphasizes the acceleration and speed gained over time, differing from the sustained effort implied by "drive".

a mounting pressure

Conveys the idea of building tension or urgency, implying a sense of external forces influencing action rather than internal motivation.

a rising tide

Uses a metaphorical comparison to the ocean, evoking a sense of inevitability and widespread impact rather than individual effort.

a burgeoning ambition

Focuses on the expansion and development of a goal or desire, instead of the energy put forth to achieve it.

a surging campaign

Specifically applicable to organized efforts like political campaigns, focusing on a sudden and powerful increase in support or activity.

an accelerating trend

Describes a pattern or tendency that is rapidly increasing, removing the element of active pursuit or motivation.

a step-up initiative

Emphasizes taking decisive actions to advance a project, contrasting with the gradual growth in effort.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an escalating drive" in a sentence?

Employ "an escalating drive" to depict a situation characterized by a growing momentum and increasing efforts toward a specific goal. For instance, "The company demonstrated "an escalating drive" to improve its market share."

What are some alternatives to "an escalating drive" that maintain a similar meaning?

You can consider alternatives such as "a growing impetus", "an increasing momentum", or "intensifying efforts" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "an escalating drive" most appropriate?

"An escalating drive" is particularly fitting when describing scenarios where there's a noticeable and progressive increase in the intensity or scale of efforts directed towards achieving a particular objective. It works well in business, political, or social contexts where momentum is key.

Is "an escalating drive" formal or informal language?

"An escalating drive" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in most contexts, it leans toward formal when discussing strategic initiatives, campaigns, or large-scale projects.