had striven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had striven" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has made a significant effort or struggled to achieve something in the past, often in a context that emphasizes the duration or intensity of that effort. Example: "Despite the challenges, she had striven to complete her project on time, demonstrating her dedication and resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Like I had striven to be.

The New York Times

All of her days she had striven unselfishly to make all around her happy," Hawkins wrote.

The New Yorker

A short marriage, which she had striven to protect from the public glare, ended.

The Guardian - Music

Of course, there had been heroic Polish men and women who had striven to help Jews.

The Guardian - Books

"The dreams and ambitions I had striven for for a decade had been shattered," he later wrote".

Independent

There he died, prematurely terminating the compromise he had striven to achieve between Roman authority and Jewish autonomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

In China they had strived to revive traditional Chinese culture after over a century of decay.

The Economist

Above all, she had strived for female sexual liberation – and it undoubtedly helped unleash that".

The Guardian - Books

Elected officials in Nassau said that they had strived mightily on such programs.

The New York Times

For three centuries, Catalonia has striven to regain its independence.

The New York Times

Mr Obama has striven to keep out of Syria.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "had striven" in formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is appropriate, such as academic papers or professional reports.

Common error

Avoid using "had striven" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "tried hard" or "worked towards" are usually more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had striven" functions as the past perfect form of the verb 'strive', indicating an action completed before another point in the past. It emphasizes the effort and determination put into achieving something, often against obstacles. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had striven" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey past efforts with a strong sense of determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is typically found in formal contexts like News & Media and Encyclopedias, highlighting a conscious and sustained effort. When writing, remember to reserve "had striven" for situations where you want to emphasize persistence and a high degree of effort, and consider simpler alternatives for casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had endeavored

This alternative is a more formal synonym, often used in similar contexts.

had attempted

This alternative suggests a trial or experiment, with no guarantee of success.

had struggled

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in the attempt.

had worked hard

This alternative highlights the diligence and labor put into the effort.

had aimed

This alternative focuses on the intention or goal of the effort.

had sought

This alternative suggests a deliberate and persistent search or pursuit.

had tried

This alternative is a more general term for making an effort.

had pursued

This alternative implies a sustained effort over time.

had toiled

This alternative conveys strenuous or exhausting labor.

had aspired

This alternative emphasizes ambition and a desire for something higher.

FAQs

How can I use "had striven" in a sentence?

Use "had striven" to describe a past, sustained effort to achieve a goal, often against resistance. For example, "She "had striven" to complete her degree while working full-time".

What are some alternatives to "had striven"?

You can use alternatives like "had endeavored", "had attempted", or "had struggled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "had striven" formal or informal?

"Had striven" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives such as "had tried hard" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "had striven" and "had tried"?

"Had striven" implies a more sustained and determined effort than "had tried". "Had tried" suggests a simple attempt, while "had striven" emphasizes the persistence and difficulty of the effort.