burning ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

"burning ambition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a desire or goal that is intense or particularly strong. For example, you might say, "He had a burning ambition to become a professional musician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I've never had that burning ambition to be a manager.

Independent

This would be the worst of all worlds for Johnson's burning ambition.

Independent

It was his family, rather than burning ambition, that drove him into politics.

The Economist

And Marino's burning ambition for his son's career as a quarterback?

The New York Times - Magazine

They lead lives of extraordinary achievement, of burning ambition, of quiet industry.

The Guardian

"But there is burning ambition in every corner of this industry, from women as much as men".

The Guardian

It was a heavily loaded word, denoting not just musical rigour but burning ambition and political danger.

The Guardian

It has had forceful characters (difficult childhoods, burning ambition, tenacity, abrasiveness, on both sides: see, for those who doubt it, Ms Royal's debate performance).

The Economist

All that time spent in the gym was an indication only of his burning ambition — and of the likelihood that he might know some drug pushers.

The New Yorker

Given his eclectic interests it's not entirely clear whether Mr. Keigwin has a burning ambition to be the Next Great Thing.

The New York Times - Arts

So it's not the crime itself but how it is perceived through her love of literature and her burning ambition to be a writer.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "burning ambition" with specific verbs (e.g., fueled by, driven by, motivated by) to further emphasize the force and intensity of the desire. For example: "Her career was fueled by burning ambition."

Common error

While effective, "burning ambition" can become cliché if overused. Vary your language by using synonyms like "intense aspiration" or "driving force" to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

"Burning ambition" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "burning" intensifies the meaning of the noun "ambition." Ludwig's examples show it modifying individuals' desires, motivations, and pursuits, emphasizing their intensity. Ludwig AI states it's usable to describe a desire or goal that is intense or particularly strong.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burning ambition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in news and media, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples. Ludwig AI confirms its usability to describe a desire or goal that is intense or particularly strong. The phrase effectively communicates a powerful, all-consuming desire and is generally appropriate for neutral to professional registers. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overuse and consider synonyms to maintain the freshness of your writing. While not inherently formal or informal, it carries an implication of significant drive and purpose. When referring to source material keep in mind that the most authoritative sources are The Guardian, BBC, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense aspiration

Emphasizes the depth and strength of the ambition.

overriding passion

Highlights the emotional drive behind the ambition.

consuming desire

Suggests that the ambition dominates one's thoughts and actions.

driving force

Focuses on the ambition as a motivator.

powerful yearning

Implies a longing and persistent pursuit.

fierce determination

Highlights the unwavering resolve to achieve a goal.

unyielding resolve

Emphasizes the steadfast nature of the ambition.

relentless pursuit

Focuses on the continuous effort to achieve the ambition.

unquenchable thirst

Suggests an insatiable need to fulfill the ambition.

boundless enthusiasm

Highlights the energy and excitement associated with the ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "burning ambition" in a sentence?

"Burning ambition" is typically used to describe someone's strong desire to achieve a goal. For instance, "She had a burning ambition to become a doctor."

What are some alternatives to "burning ambition"?

You can use alternatives like "intense aspiration", "overriding passion", or "consuming desire" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a burning ambition for" or "a burning ambition to"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "A burning ambition to" is followed by a verb and indicates the goal itself (e.g., a burning ambition to succeed). "A burning ambition for" is followed by a noun and indicates what the ambition is directed towards (e.g., a burning ambition for power).

What is the difference between "ambition" and "burning ambition"?

"Ambition" simply refers to a strong desire or goal. Adding "burning" emphasizes the intensity and passion behind that desire, suggesting it is a powerful and all-consuming force.