driven to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong motivation or compulsion to do something, often in a context where someone feels pushed or compelled by external factors. Example: "She was driven to succeed in her career after facing numerous challenges in her personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is driven to excel.

The New York Times - Sports

They are driven to expand.

The New Yorker

I have been driven to succeed.

The New York Times

Some are driven to despair or suicide.

The Economist

"I have been driven to get educated.

The New York Times

"I was driven to have an education".

The New York Times

So we are driven to create certainty.

The New York Times

I have been driven to own something.

The New York Times

He's driven to win.

The New York Times

Some were driven to suicide.

The New York Times

He had driven to work from Park Slope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "driven to" to convey a strong sense of purpose or compulsion. Ensure the context clearly indicates the source of this drive, whether it's internal motivation or external pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "driven to" when describing actions that are purely voluntary or lack a significant underlying impetus. Using "motivated by" or "inspired by" may be more accurate if the action is not born from a need.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "driven to" is a verb phrase functioning as part of a predicate. It often describes a state of being influenced or compelled towards a particular action or outcome, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "driven to" is a versatile expression used to convey a powerful sense of motivation or compulsion. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical usage is correct and it's a very common expression. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, it also appears in scientific, formal, and business settings. When using "driven to", consider whether alternatives like "compelled to" or "motivated to" might better suit the nuance you intend to convey. Remember to ensure the context clarifies the source and intensity of the driving force to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelled to

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes an external force or obligation leading to action.

motivated to

Focuses on internal reasons and desires that inspire action.

determined to

Highlights a firm decision and commitment to achieve a goal.

inspired to

Highlights the positive influence or stimulation that leads to action.

resolved to

Similar to 'determined to', but conveys a sense of overcoming doubt or hesitation.

urged to

Indicates a strong encouragement or prompting to take action.

pushed to

Emphasizes external pressure and a lack of personal choice.

forced to

Implies coercion and a lack of voluntary action.

inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency or predisposition towards something.

led to

Focuses on the result of a series of cause and effect, rather than internal motivation

FAQs

How can I use "driven to" in a sentence?

You can use "driven to" to describe someone's strong motivation or compulsion to do something, often influenced by internal desires or external factors. For example, "She was driven to succeed despite facing numerous obstacles".

What are some alternatives to "driven to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "compelled to", "motivated to", or "inspired to".

What does it mean to be "driven to" do something?

To be "driven to" do something means you have a strong inner or external motivation that pushes you towards that action. It often implies a sense of urgency or necessity.

Is there a difference between "motivated to" and "driven to"?

"Motivated to" implies a positive internal desire to achieve something, while "driven to" suggests a stronger, more compelling force that might include external pressures or a deep-seated need. For example, while someone might be "motivated to" learn a new skill for personal enrichment, they could be "driven to" find a new job due to financial hardship.