driven to excel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven to excel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is highly motivated to achieve excellence in their work or personal endeavors. Example: "Her dedication to her studies shows that she is truly driven to excel in her academic pursuits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He is driven to excel.

The New York Times - Sports

And why he is so driven to excel.

The New York Times

He looked like a man driven to excel.

The New York Times - Sports

America has a multitude of sports stars who were driven to excel by overzealous parents.

The New York Times

Being driven to excel and having an enterprising spirit, combined with the urge to find new approaches, could actually become a recipe for career disaster.

Harvard Business Review

Driven to excel, she studied sociology at Catholic University in Washington before taking her law degree at the Jesuit-run Catholic University in Managua.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

X Factor #1: A drive to excel.

Harvard Business Review

I drifted from lecture to lecture, and had little drive to excel while I had no clear prospects.

Independent

The genetic source of his newfound chatty nature, as well as his drive to excel, is not hard to find.

The New York Times - Sports

But Curry's drive to excel has often been questioned and he has had trouble with conditioning.

The New York Times - Sports

"John's sense of morality, his drive to excel — that comes from somewhere out there in Wisconsin," Mr. Prescott said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "driven to excel" to describe individuals or organizations with a strong internal motivation to achieve superior results, rather than those simply meeting expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "driven to excel" to describe short-term efforts or isolated incidents. This phrase implies a sustained and profound motivation, not a temporary push.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven to excel" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's inherent motivation or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driven to excel" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression denoting a strong internal motivation for achieving superior results. As Ludwig AI explains, it effectively describes individuals or entities consistently striving for excellence. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and business, highlighting its versatility and relevance in both formal and informal communication. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "motivated to achieve" or "determined to succeed" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated to achieve

Emphasizes the presence of motivation aimed at specific achievements, differing from the general pursuit of excellence.

determined to succeed

Highlights the resolve to reach success, which implies overcoming obstacles, unlike simply excelling.

striving for excellence

Focuses on the continuous effort towards excellence, differing from the inherent drive.

ambitious for greatness

Highlights ambition and a desire for significant achievements, adding a layer of aspiration.

dedicated to mastery

Stresses dedication and a pursuit of expertise, adding focus on skill development.

passionate about achievement

Emphasizes the emotional investment in attaining goals, different from inherent drive.

focused on surpassing

Highlights the concentration on exceeding expectations and benchmarks.

inspired to triumph

Highlights the influence of inspiration on achieving victory or success.

resolved to flourish

Highlights the determination and commitment to thriving and prospering.

compelled to outshine

Emphasizes a sense of obligation or necessity to outperform others.

FAQs

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

You can use "driven to excel" to describe someone who consistently seeks to achieve high standards and superior performance. For instance, "She is "driven to excel" in all her academic endeavors."

What are some alternatives to "driven to excel"?

Alternatives include "motivated to achieve", "determined to succeed", or "striving for excellence". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "driven to excel" or "motivated to excel"?

"Driven to excel" suggests a deeper, more intrinsic motivation, while "motivated to excel" can imply external factors also play a role. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize internal determination or a broader set of influences.

What's the difference between being "driven to excel" and simply being "ambitious"?

While both terms describe a desire for success, "driven to excel" emphasizes the dedication to achieving superior performance, while "ambitious" (/s/ambitious) suggests a broader aspiration for power, recognition, or other forms of achievement.