competitive drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competitive drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong motivation or ambition to succeed in a competitive environment, often in sports, business, or personal achievements. Example: "Her competitive drive pushed her to train harder than ever before, ultimately leading her to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His use of Lustmord expressed his competitive drive.

The New Yorker

The tax code is not immune to athletes' competitive drive.

The New Yorker

But all competitive drive vanished in the early-morning powder.

The New York Times

Mr. McCabe's competitive drive impressed those who worked with him.

The New York Times

Michael Gill's competitive drive has often served him well.

The New York Times - Sports

The competitive drive of a Hall of Fame Celtic.

The New York Times - Sports

It seemed her competitive drive had begun to wind down.

The Guardian - Sport

"The weakness of Michael Jordan is his competitive drive".

The New York Times - Magazine

For top athletes the same competitive drive which makes them great can tip into fanaticism.

The Economist

His high payrolls have driven up salaries, and players relate to his competitive drive.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have no doubt Henry will bring strategic guidance and competitive drive to Guggenheim".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "competitive drive" to describe a persistent internal motivation to outperform others in a specific field or activity. For example, it effectively conveys the ambition of athletes, business leaders, or students.

Common error

Avoid using "competitive drive" when describing general enthusiasm or motivation. Reserve it for situations where direct comparison and outperformance are key aspects.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "competitive drive" is that of a noun phrase acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes an attribute or quality related to a person's character. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "competitive drive" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a strong internal motivation to outperform others and achieve success in competitive situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. When using the term, ensure it accurately reflects a context where outperforming others is a key component, rather than general enthusiasm. Alternative phrases such as "ambition to compete" or "competitive spirit" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambition to compete

Focuses on the ambition aspect, specifying its direction towards competition.

competitive spirit

Highlights the inner spirit and enthusiasm for competition.

zeal for competition

Emphasizes the passion and enthusiasm for competition.

motivation to win

Directly points to the desire and push to achieve victory.

urge to succeed

Shifts the focus to the broader concept of success, not just in competition.

determination to excel

Highlights the firmness of purpose in achieving outstanding performance.

striving for victory

Emphasizes the active effort and struggle towards winning.

passion for rivalry

Focuses on the emotional aspect of engaging in competitive relationships.

burning ambition

Highlights the intense and all-consuming nature of the ambition.

fierce competitiveness

Emphasizes the intense and aggressive nature of the competitive attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "competitive drive" in a sentence?

You can use "competitive drive" to describe someone's motivation to outperform others, such as "Her competitive drive helped her succeed in the business world".

What's a good synonym for "competitive drive"?

Alternatives include "ambition to compete", "competitive spirit", or "zeal for competition" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "competitive drive" in formal writing?

Yes, "competitive drive" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a strong motivation in business, sports, or academic settings.

What distinguishes "competitive drive" from simple motivation?

"Competitive drive" specifically implies a desire to outperform others, while general motivation can refer to any internal force that pushes someone towards a goal. The key difference lies in the element of comparison and rivalry.