drive to become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive to become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong motivation or ambition to achieve a certain state or identity. Example: "Her drive to become a successful entrepreneur has inspired many in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Achieving and the drive to become what one is capable of becoming or to surpass others can be very motivating [ 23].

BMC Health Services Research

"My drive to become a superhero exacted a terrible price.

The Washington Post

"It helps in my drive to become a household name," he said.

The New York Times

Berlin's drive to become a technology center would be unthinkable without this openness.

The New York Times

South Korea's ambition is tied to its drive to become a major exporter of nuclear reactors.

The New York Times

The platform disaster is also a setback for Brazil's drive to become self-sufficient in oil.

The New York Times

The drive to become a drummer went underground, literally, to her basement.

The New York Times

"It needs a massive recruiting drive to become more reflective of the community.

The Guardian

Sir Fred said the bank had embarked on a new drive to become more efficient internally.

The Guardian - Money

Because of him, Tibet is sand in the wheels of China's drive to become a respected international citizen.

The Economist

As part of its drive to become the commercial capital of West Germany, Frankfurt developed its exhibition facilities rapidly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "drive to become" with descriptive adjectives to add nuance and specificity to your writing (e.g., "relentless drive to become", "burning drive to become").

Common error

Avoid using "drive to become" when the intended meaning is simply "to be". "Become" implies a transformation or evolution, so ensure this nuance is appropriate for your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive to become" functions as a purpose connector, linking a preceding action or situation to a subsequent goal or transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a strong motivation toward achieving a specific state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive to become" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a strong internal motivation for achieving a specific goal or undergoing a transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a purpose connector, explaining the impetus behind an action. While appropriate in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, it's essential to ensure that the use of "become" accurately reflects a change or evolution, rather than a simple state of being. Synonyms like "aspiration to be" or "ambition to become" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passion for becoming

Emphasizes the emotional investment in the process of self-improvement.

aspiration to be

Changes the noun "drive" to "aspiration", focusing on the desire for achievement.

determination to develop into

Highlights the resolve and growth aspect of achieving a goal.

ambition to transform into

Replaces "become" with "transform into", implying a significant change or development.

motivation to grow into

Focuses on the internal impetus for personal or professional development.

yearning to evolve into

Uses "yearning" to convey a deep longing and "evolve" to suggest a gradual process.

urge to mature into

Suggests a natural progression and desire for completeness.

push to transition into

Emphasizes the effort involved in moving towards a new state or role.

quest to turn into

Implies a journey or search with a specific end result in mind.

aim to materialize into

Conveys the intention of bringing something into physical or concrete existence.

FAQs

How can I use "drive to become" in a sentence?

Use "drive to become" to describe someone's strong motivation to transform into something, for example: "Her drive to become a doctor fueled her studies."

What's the difference between "desire to become" and "drive to become"?

"Drive to become" implies a more forceful and active pursuit, whereas "desire to become" suggests a wish or longing. The former emphasizes action, the latter emotion.

Are there synonyms for "drive to become"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "ambition to become", "aspiration to be", or "motivation to grow into" depending on the specific context.

Is "drive to become" formal or informal?

"Drive to become" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.