determined ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determined ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and resolute desire to achieve goals or aspirations. Example: "Her determined ambition drove her to work late into the night, ensuring she would reach her career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A few people had sensed, before this, that Peyton's quiet manner veiled a fiercely determined ambition.

The New Yorker

But now we have two men, of determined ambition and imposing stature, trying to bump each other off.

The Guardian - Opinion

The performance of fit energy, healthy vibration, and determined ambition was on stage--two blocks from home.

Huffington Post

Stability and reconstruction have been made out as the mark of most of his policies; the scale of his motivation ranging from "determined ambition" with Geoffrey Rudolph Elton in 1977 to "idealism of a sort" with Diarmaid MacCulloch in 1999.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Carter's friends, including Salman Rushdie, former poet laureate Andrew Motion, publisher Carmen Callil, and the writer and historian Marina Warner, had no idea the author had started out in the 1960s with determined ambitions as a poet.

The Guardian - Books

He evidently believed that the problems of inter-subjectivity were not imposed upon us from outside; rather, he saw them as resulting from our being trapped in patterns of socially determined ambitions.

SEP

We're not so different that our sex determines our ambition rather than our personalities, are we?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So it's basically on the EPA to determine the ambition of domestic regulation, which will therefore determine international positions.

Huffington Post

It would seem that Mr. McGreevey, a skillful politician, determined that political ambition and open homosexuality were incompatible.

The New York Times

She was single-minded, strong-willed and determined: the only ambition of hers which was thwarted was her desire to be a priest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Mr. Umarkar, a computer programmer, is missing from the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center, where he worked for eSpeed, a division of Cantor Fitzgerald, his wife is determined that his ambition for his daughter, Vomika, will live on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determined ambition" when you want to emphasize both the strong will and the significant goals someone is pursuing. It conveys a sense of purpose and unwavering commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "determined ambition" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or theatrical in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "strong drive" or "focused goals" in those instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined ambition" primarily functions as a descriptive expression, where 'determined' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'ambition'. This highlights the strength and resolve behind the ambition, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determined ambition" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a strong and resolute desire to achieve specific goals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, the expression appears across diverse contexts, notably in news and media sources. When writing, consider the formality of your context and utilize alternatives such as ""resolute aspiration"" or ""unwavering aim"" for subtle variations. Remember, while accurate, "determined ambition" is better suited to formal tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolute aspiration

Replaces "determined" with "resolute" and "ambition" with "aspiration", emphasizing firmness and hope.

unwavering aim

Substitutes "determined" with "unwavering" and "ambition" with "aim", highlighting persistence and focus.

persistent drive

Changes "determined ambition" to "persistent drive", focusing on continuous effort and motivation.

strong will

Replaces the original phrase to express powerful determination

tenacious goal

Substitutes both words to focus on firmness and purpose.

dogged pursuit

Uses "dogged pursuit" instead, stressing relentless chasing after a goal.

intense aspiration

Replace "determined" for "intense" to express great force

unyielding desire

Focuses on an insatiable want.

relentless aspiration

Replace determined for relentless that implies tenacity.

fierce resolve

Highlights the strength of decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "determined ambition" to describe someone's strong desire to achieve their goals, like in the sentence: "Her "determined ambition" drove her to succeed despite numerous obstacles."

What are some alternatives to "determined ambition"?

Some alternatives include "resolute aspiration", "unwavering aim", or "persistent drive", which convey similar meanings of strong will and purpose.

Is "determined ambition" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "determined ambition" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a strong sense of purpose and commitment in a professional or academic context. However, use discretion in informal settings where it might sound overly theatrical.

How does "determined ambition" differ from "mere aspiration"?

"Determined ambition" implies a strong will and active effort towards achieving goals, whereas "mere aspiration" suggests a passive desire without necessarily the drive or action to realize it.