drive to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong motivation or determination to achieve success in various contexts, such as personal goals, career aspirations, or academic pursuits. Example: "Her drive to succeed has propelled her to the top of her field, earning her numerous accolades and recognition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a pressure, a drive to succeed.

Independent

"She also had a very healthy drive to succeed".

The New York Times

"I knew that he had the drive to succeed.

Independent

"You need the drive to succeed," he explains.

The Guardian

Where does the drive to succeed come from?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some, like Rahman Mohibur, revealed a strong drive to succeed.

The New York Times

All athletes are motivated and have a lot of that drive to succeed.

The New York Times - Sports

"The difference is that Berkeley grad students come with a fierce drive to succeed.

University of California, Berkeley

Right now, the drive to succeed is trumping any loftier aspirations.

The New York Times

There are plenty of intelligent kids who don't have that drive to succeed".

The Guardian - Sport

No, she doesn't know where her drive to succeed came from.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "drive to succeed" to highlight their ambition and work ethic. For example: "Her "drive to succeed" made her an excellent candidate for the leadership position."

Common error

While "drive to succeed" is a useful phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "ambition", "determination", or "motivation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive to succeed" functions as a noun phrase that describes an individual's internal motivation or ambition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive to succeed" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's ambition and motivation. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider synonyms like "determination to succeed" or "ambition to succeed" for varied language and tone. The prevalence of the phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance and utility in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determination to succeed

Replaces "drive" with "determination", emphasizing resolve.

ambition to succeed

Substitutes "drive" with "ambition", highlighting aspiration.

motivation to succeed

Replaces "drive" with "motivation", focusing on the internal impetus.

eagerness to achieve success

Replaces "drive" with "eagerness" and "succeed" with "achieve success", adding a sense of enthusiasm.

passion for success

Focuses on the emotional aspect of wanting to succeed.

resolve to succeed

Emphasizes a firm decision to achieve success.

inner desire to triumph

Replaces "drive to succeed" with a more emphatic desire to win.

commitment to excellence

Shifts the focus to dedication to quality, implying a desire for success.

burning ambition

Uses a more intense phrase for a very strong desire.

unyielding spirit to prevail

This option emphasizes resilience and persistence in achieving victory.

FAQs

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

You can use "drive to succeed" to describe someone's ambition and motivation. For example: "His "determination to succeed" propelled him to the top of his class".

What are some alternatives to "drive to succeed"?

Some alternatives include "ambition to succeed", "motivation to succeed", or "determination to succeed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "drive to succeed" or "desire to succeed"?

"Drive to succeed" implies a proactive and energetic pursuit of goals, while "desire to succeed" suggests a wish or longing. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize action or aspiration.

What contributes to a person's "drive to succeed"?

A person's "drive to succeed" can stem from various sources, including personal ambition, a desire for recognition, the influence of role models, or a need to overcome challenges.