drive for respectability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive for respectability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's efforts or ambitions to gain social approval or a higher status in society. Example: "His constant drive for respectability often led him to make choices that conflicted with his true self."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He committed himself fully to the Knicks' drive for respectability.

The New York Times - Sports

The "Cleft Chin Murder", as the case became known, is the one discussed by George Orwell in his 1946 essay "Decline of the English Murder": for him, the killing typified a distinctly modern trend in which murder was the product of anomie and squalor, rather than part of the calculated drive for respectability it had been in the palmy days of poisoners such as Crippen and Mrs Maybrick.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Samuel Phelps at The Sadler's Wells Theatre instituted audience controls that drove out the old audience and paved the way for respectability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somewhere along the line, Christianity traded its revolutionary impulse for respectability -- its bug-eating prophets for Buick-driving middle managers.

Huffington Post

Yoga's bid for respectability began with its home country's campaign for independence from Britain.

The New York Times - Books

Happily, Vera has little time for respectability.

Independent

But at the same time they yearn desperately for respectability.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are criminal defense lawyers who ache for respectability.

The New York Times

Long derided as a city of sleaze, the city is reaching for respectability.

The New York Times

As her own prospects weakened, dreams of romance paled into the modest hope for respectability.

The New Yorker

The strings, pop's dullest default bid for respectability, here work as hard as the m.c.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "drive for respectability" when you want to emphasize a proactive and sustained effort to gain social approval or a reputable image. Ensure the context clearly indicates the motivations and actions behind this pursuit.

Common error

Avoid using "drive for respectability" when describing superficial actions that lack genuine intent. The phrase implies a deep-seated need or ambition, not merely a fleeting attempt to appear respectable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive for respectability" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the impetus or motivation behind actions aimed at gaining approval or a better reputation. For example, "The Knicks' drive for respectability" or "Christianity traded its revolutionary impulse for respectability".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drive for respectability" is a noun phrase denoting a strong and active pursuit of social acceptance and a positive reputation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although relatively uncommon, with only a few examples found, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts and exhibits a neutral register. Related phrases include "quest for respectability" and "pursuit of respectability". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deep-seated motivation, not merely superficial actions. Key authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrating its presence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for respectability

Replaces "drive" with "quest", emphasizing the active pursuit of respectability.

pursuit of respectability

Substitutes "drive" with "pursuit", highlighting the ongoing effort to achieve respectability.

yearning for respectability

Replaces "drive" with "yearning", focusing on a strong desire for respectability.

striving for respectability

Substitutes "drive" with "striving", emphasizing the effort and struggle involved.

ambition for respectability

Replaces "drive" with "ambition", highlighting the aspiration to gain respectability.

desire for social approval

Replaces "respectability" with "social approval", focusing on acceptance by society.

effort to gain recognition

Shifts the focus from respectability to the broader concept of recognition.

campaign for a good name

Uses a more figurative expression to describe the attempt to build a positive reputation.

push for social standing

Emphasizes the active effort to improve one's social position.

urge for societal acceptance

Highlights the internal motivation to be accepted by society.

FAQs

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

You can use it to describe a person or group's efforts to gain social approval or improve their image, for example: "His constant "drive for respectability" led him to make choices that conflicted with his true self."

What's a similar phrase to "drive for respectability"?

Alternatives include "quest for respectability", "pursuit of respectability", or "yearning for respectability". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "drive for respectability" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing. In very formal settings, "pursuit of social standing" may be more appropriate.

What motivates a "drive for respectability"?

The motivation can stem from various factors, including a desire for social acceptance, professional advancement, or to overcome past negative perceptions. It often involves a conscious effort to adhere to societal norms and expectations.