having driven for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having driven for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the duration of time spent driving, often in a context where the experience or action is relevant to the discussion. Example: "Having driven for several hours, I finally reached my destination and was relieved to take a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Having driven for years in Europe, I have never seen a car with a flat driver's mirror.

The New York Times

Though licensed since 1993, he was still a novice cabby, having driven for less than six months.

The New York Times

But the oceanarium could accommodate only 7,500 people, and on busy days guards had to turn away hundreds of visitors, some of whom were angry after having driven for hours with their children to see the shows.

The New York Times

In the waiting room on the executive floor, the head of risk from a subsidiary in a neighbouring country is pouring himself a coffee, having driven for an hour from his own office to talk about a new computer system.

The Economist

If the public has largely overlooked such data, even as it pays attention to Patrick Kennedy — or to his cousin Kerry Kennedy, who was arrested last year with zolpidem in her body, having driven for several miles on a shredded tire after colliding with a tractor-trailer — it may be because Ambien deaths are disguised by circumstances.

The New Yorker

Often, having driven for two hours, Paul felt guilty for staying only a short time, but it was hard to think of anything to say, and it was, he reassured himself, more important that he simply made the visit each time he promised he would.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I've driven for and against him.

The Guardian - Sport

That is the worst I have driven for a long, long time.

Independent

They had driven for five days to celebrate the Tet holidays in Luang Prabang.

The New Yorker

Ishwar had driven for nine hours through Delhi, through fire and smoke, bodies and ash.

The New York Times

Zora had driven for the final hour and he brought his L88 home to victory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having driven for" to concisely indicate past experience in a driving role, often followed by details about the duration or the company/entity involved. For instance, "Having driven for Uber for five years, I understand the challenges drivers face."

Common error

Avoid using "having driven for" to describe current activities. This phrase always refers to a completed action or a period in the past. Instead, use "currently driving for" or "working as a driver for" to describe a present occupation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having driven for" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It typically provides background information about past experience or a completed action related to driving. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in describing past driving experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having driven for" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe past driving experience. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper use and meaning. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to a completed period of driving and avoid confusing it with present tense constructions. Remember that related phrases such as "after driving for" or "previously driving for" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, but with slightly different nuances. Consider the context to decide which variant best fits your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience driving for

Directly highlights the experience gained while driving for a specific entity.

after driving for

Focuses on the time elapsed post-driving, rather than the experience of driving itself.

having worked as a driver for

Specifies that the person worked as a driver, clarifying the role.

having operated for

Replaces "driven" with "operated", broadening the scope to include other types of vehicles.

having been a driver for

Similar to 'having worked as a driver for', but with a slightly more formal tone.

having piloted for

Replaces "driven" with "piloted", broadening the scope to other means of transportation

previously driving for

Highlights that the driving role occurred in the past, emphasizing prior experience.

having been employed as a driver for

The most formal alternative. "Employed" adds formality.

with a background in driving for

Focuses on the driver's background and its connection to driving experience.

with a history of driving for

Emphasizes a longer-term association with driving, suggesting a career or substantial experience.

FAQs

How can I use "having driven for" in a sentence?

Use "having driven for" to indicate past experience driving for a specific company or period. For example, "Having driven for years in Europe, I have never seen a car with a flat driver's mirror."

What are some alternatives to "having driven for"?

Alternatives include "after driving for", "previously driving for", or "with a history of driving for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "having drive for" instead of "having driven for"?

No, "having drive for" is grammatically incorrect. "Having driven for" is the correct past participle form to use when indicating past experience driving for a particular entity or length of time.

What is the difference between "having driven for" and "driving for"?

"Having driven for" indicates a completed period of driving, while "driving for" can refer to a current or ongoing activity. For example, "He is currently driving for Uber" versus "He stopped "having driven for Uber" last year".