drive for independence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive for independence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or motivation to achieve independence, whether personally, politically, or socially. Example: "The drive for independence among the colonies grew stronger as they sought to establish their own identity and governance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The drive for independence is stalling.

The New York Times

In Switzerland, by contrast, stained glass was more political, promoting the drive for independence.

The New York Times - Arts

Gusmao, 68, is a former guerrilla leader who spearheaded East Timor's drive for independence when Indonesian rule ended in 2002.

The Guardian

Mr. Rugova encompassed the hopes of nearly two million Kosovo Albanians in their drive for independence from Serbia.

The New York Times

Berwick did not have to seek far for a research topic: At Yale, she had been engaged by the violent conflict in Sudan around Darfur's drive for independence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whatever the outcome of Sunday's vote, any subsequent fiscal concession by Mr. Rajoy could go a long way toward deflating the Catalan drive for independence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Lithuania and its neighboring Baltic republics, Latvia and Estonia, have refused to abide by the new secession process in their drives for independence, arguing that they were illegally annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 and that therefore the new laws do not apply to them.

The New York Times

There's a real dichotomy between what they say and what they do". But, like many of the other group members, Bernstein has consistently supported charter schools and other similar drives for independence, cautioning only that the teachers' due process rights be preserved.

Los Angeles Times

The rebellion in the North Caucasus began in the 1990s as a nationalist drive for Chechen independence.

The Washington Post

The CUP is a small but pivotal force in the drive for Catalan independence.

The New York Times

In Western Samoa the drive for political independence began in 1908 with the Mau a Pule, a movement led by the orator chief Lauaki Namulau'ulu.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drive for independence" to describe sustained and determined efforts by a group or nation to gain self-governance and freedom from external control.

Common error

While "drive for independence" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "desire to be independent" or "wanting more freedom" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive for independence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a strong motivation or concerted effort toward achieving self-governance, autonomy, or liberation as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drive for independence" is a noun phrase widely used to describe a strong and sustained effort to achieve self-governance, autonomy, or liberation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various reputable sources. While it leans toward a more formal register, it is versatile enough to be used in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Academia. When aiming for more informal language, consider alternatives like "desire to be independent". The phrase captures the essence of a determined pursuit of freedom from external control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for self-determination

Emphasizes the active pursuit and inherent right to choose one's own political status.

struggle for autonomy

Highlights the difficulties and challenges involved in gaining independence.

movement for liberation

Focuses on freeing oneself from oppression or external control.

campaign for sovereignty

Implies an organized and strategic effort to achieve supreme authority.

push for self-rule

Suggests a forward momentum and ambition toward governing oneself.

fight for freedom

Conveys a sense of active resistance and battling against restrictions.

bid for autonomy

Indicates an attempt or effort to gain self-governance.

pursuit of sovereignty

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to attain supreme power and independence.

aspiration for self-government

Focuses on the desire and ambition to govern oneself.

demand for liberation

Highlights the insistence and requirement for freedom from external control.

FAQs

How can I use "drive for independence" in a sentence?

You can use "drive for independence" to describe a nation's or a group's strong desire to become self-governing, for example: "The colony's "drive for independence" was fueled by years of oppression."

What phrases can I use instead of "drive for independence"?

Alternatives to "drive for independence" include "quest for self-determination", "struggle for autonomy", or "movement for liberation", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "drive to independence"?

While understandable, "drive for independence" is more idiomatic. "Drive to independence" might suggest a physical movement, while "drive for independence" refers to the motivation or ambition toward achieving it.

What is the difference between "drive for independence" and "fight for independence"?

"Drive for independence" implies a sustained effort and momentum, while "fight for independence" suggests a more active and potentially confrontational struggle against opposition.