drive for approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive for approval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or motivation to gain validation or acceptance from others. Example: "Her constant drive for approval often led her to overcommit to projects, seeking praise from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The hidden brain's drive for approval and meaning, and the ability of small groups to confer such approval and meaning, is what is common to the world of" all four, he writes.

The New York Times - Books

José Manuel Barroso, president of the European commission, is due to hold talks with Gordon Brown in London early next month on the wider economy, including the banking crisis, and is expected to spearhead the drive for approval of the measures.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"A growing number of governments are rejecting the commission's drive for GM crop approvals," said Greenpeace's EU food policy director Franziska Achterberg.

The Guardian

I've never been driven by a desire for approval because I've never lacked approval.

The Guardian

Human beings are social animals and have long been driven by the need for approval and self-affirmation – albeit on a smaller scale.

The Guardian - Tech

She's not driven by the need for approval," former acting Solicitor General Walter Dellinger, a close friend of Reno's, told the New Yorker in 1997. .

Huffington Post

In addition, with carefully defined and vetted business processes, you can provide risk and compliance managers with greater assurance of data accuracy and approvals, which in a litigious society can drive budget approval for an ECM solution.

Forbes

Donna is driven by a fierce need for approval and acceptance, which makes her try too hard.

Wikipedia

That tactic helped drive down approval ratings for lawmakers.

The New York Times

Uber has pledged to improve its vetting procedures after admitting that a man arrested in Dallas on suspicion of sexually assaulting a passenger was granted approval to drive for the company by mistake.

The Guardian - Tech

Nascar said oil pans from cars driven by Hamlin, Busch and Joey Logano were not submitted for approval before opening-day inspection.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivation in professional settings, consider using "drive for approval" to highlight how the desire for recognition can influence behavior and outcomes.

Common error

Be mindful that an excessive "drive for approval" can lead to burnout or compromising personal values. Encourage intrinsic motivation and self-validation as alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive for approval" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a strong motivation or ambition. As stated in Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used to describe a strong desire or motivation to gain validation or acceptance from others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive for approval" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong desire to gain validation or acceptance from others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, although it's more common in News & Media, Wiki and Science. While a healthy desire for approval can be motivating, it’s important to avoid over-reliance on external validation. Alternatives such as "need for validation" or "quest for acceptance" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need for validation

Focuses on the psychological requirement rather than the active pursuit.

quest for acceptance

Implies a more prolonged and significant search for being accepted.

desire for recognition

Emphasizes the yearning to be acknowledged and valued.

yearning for validation

Highlights a deep emotional longing to be validated.

pursuit of recognition

Highlights the active chasing of recognition.

ambition for praise

Focuses on the motivation to obtain praise and commendation.

motivation for endorsement

Underscores the desire for support and approval from others.

craving for acceptance

Emphasizes an intense desire to be accepted.

eagerness for applause

Highlighting the enthusiasm to be applauded.

hunt for praise

Implies actively seeking out praise and commendation.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "drive for approval"?

Having a "drive for approval" signifies a strong desire or motivation to gain validation, acceptance, or recognition from others. It can influence behavior and decision-making as individuals seek external affirmation.

How can I recognize a "drive for approval" in myself or others?

Signs of a "drive for approval" include constantly seeking praise, overcommitting to tasks to please others, and prioritizing external validation over personal values. The person may show excessive concern about what others think.

What are some alternative phrases for "drive for approval"?

You can use alternatives like "need for validation", "quest for acceptance", or "desire for recognition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "drive for approval"?

Not necessarily. A healthy desire for positive feedback can motivate individuals to improve and achieve goals. However, it becomes problematic when it leads to excessive stress, compromising personal values, or neglecting self-validation.