driven to do things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven to do things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong motivation or compulsion to take action or accomplish tasks. Example: "She was driven to do things that would make a difference in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"They're driven to do things, because the Yankees and Red Sox drive that league".

The New York Times

But, in accomplishing this, it was driven to do things that contributed to the disasters we have seen in the past five years.

The New Yorker

My mind would be racing and I was really driven to do things, for example I would reorganise the kitchen cupboard at 3am to 4am in the morning.

The Guardian - Opinion

For example, I believe that the main character is superbly complex — on the one hand, he is a skilled and sensitive writer, but, on the other, he is misunderstood by his peers and also very strong, so he's driven to do things like beat up his entire creative-writing class.

The New Yorker

Understanding all of this that my pre-teen girls, despite being only 10 and 12, are better thought of as adolescents than children, that they don't necessarily want to feel happy, that they are innately driven to do things that will make them feel bad makes me feel profound compassion for them.

University of California, Berkeley

Ultimately we're driven to do things that sound strong and are undeniable in performance and it seems to have taken us into newer zones.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I didn't want to take away from them the drive to do things for themselves".

The New York Times

She says: "We all have an innate drive to do things – and that is there even when people are older.

The Guardian

She still has traits we instantly recognise: her drive to do things, a need to be busy and her sense of humour are all still the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As he sat in a library overlooking the harbor at Cold Spring, Dr. Watson reflected that there was "something to my personality that gave me an intense drive to do things -- my parents never did".

The New York Times - Science

Ever since I was a small child, I've had a strong drive to do things in a way that makes sense to me, feels right to me and works for me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "driven to do things" to convey a strong internal motivation or a deep-seated desire to act, particularly when the actions are proactive and self-initiated. It illustrates a compelling force that propels someone towards a specific behavior or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "driven to do things" when describing actions primarily motivated by external forces, such as pressure or coercion. This phrase implies an internal impetus, so ensure it aligns with the true source of motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven to do things" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing someone's inherent motivation or compulsion to act. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a robust impetus for action. It often modifies a subject, indicating a core aspect of their personality or behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "driven to do things" effectively describes a state of strong internal motivation or compulsion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an internal impetus rather than external pressure. Alternatives like "motivated to act" or "compelled to act" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated to act

Focuses on the presence of a reason or incentive for taking action, rather than an inherent drive.

compelled to act

Suggests a sense of obligation or irresistible force pushing one to act.

determined to achieve

Emphasizes the resolute intention to reach a goal, highlighting willpower.

inspired to create

Specifically points to a creative impetus, suggesting artistic or innovative pursuits.

pushed to perform

Highlights external pressure or demands influencing action.

eager to accomplish

Showcases enthusiasm and anticipation in completing tasks.

have a strong inclination

Indicates a natural tendency or preference that leads to certain actions.

possess inner urge

Points to a deeply rooted impulse or desire motivating behavior.

have ambition to

Highlights the desire and determination to achieve success and recognition.

inclined to undertake

Implies a predisposition or willingness to engage in specific activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "driven to do things" to describe someone with a strong internal motivation. For example, "She was "driven to do things" that would improve her community."

What are some alternatives to saying "driven to do things"?

Alternatives include "motivated to act", "compelled to act", or "determined to achieve". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "drive to do things"?

No, the correct phrase is "driven to do things". "Driven" is the past participle of the verb "drive" and is used to indicate the state of being motivated or compelled.

How does ""driven to do things"" differ from "motivated to do things"?

"Driven to do things" suggests a more intense, inherent compulsion, while "motivated to do things" can imply a more rational or external source of inspiration.