he is striving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is striving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is making a significant effort to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge. Example: "Despite the obstacles he faces, he is striving to improve his skills and succeed in his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Now he is striving to regain his form in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

He is striving to turn the referendum into a plebiscite on himself.

The Economist

At 41, he is striving to become a man of influence.

The New York Times

In both cases, he is striving for redemption without understanding what it is or even why.

The Guardian - Books

Even as Mr. Schwarzenegger seeks to hold on to voters like Mr. Collins, he is striving to attract Latinos.

The New York Times

Her confirmation was slowed by Republicans angry about her role in the report; Burr has said that he is striving to keep her from getting confirmed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

He was striving to become.

The New Yorker

He's striving to be the best.

The New York Times

In the end, what he was striving for came through.

The New York Times - Arts

The speaker said he was striving for fairness.

The New York Times

Before long, he was striving to write elegant articles.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is striving" to convey a sense of determined effort and ambition. It's more formal than "he is trying" and implies a significant challenge or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "he is striving" in very casual or informal situations where simpler phrases like "he is trying" or "he is working on it" might be more appropriate. The formality of "striving" can sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is striving" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in progress. Ludwig examples show it describes someone actively working towards a goal. It emphasizes effort and determination in achieving something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is striving" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe someone making a significant effort towards a goal. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts, implying a sense of determined effort and ambition. While it's important to be mindful of the formality and avoid overusing it in casual situations, it effectively conveys dedication and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is endeavoring

This alternative is a more formal synonym, implying a serious or determined effort.

he is aiming

This alternative suggests directing efforts towards a specific target or goal.

he is working towards

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing process and effort involved in achieving something.

he is pursuing

This alternative indicates actively following a course of action to reach a desired outcome.

he is seeking

This alternative suggests trying to find or obtain something, often requiring effort and determination.

he is trying hard

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the intensity of the effort being made.

he is making an effort

This alternative is a general expression indicating that someone is putting in work.

he is pushing himself

This alternative emphasizes the personal effort and exertion involved.

he is aspiring

This alternative highlights ambition and a strong desire to achieve something great.

he is giving his all

This alternative conveys the idea of putting in maximum effort and dedication.

FAQs

What does "he is striving" mean?

The phrase "he is striving" means that someone is making a significant and determined effort to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge. It implies ambition and hard work.

What can I say instead of "he is striving"?

You can use alternatives like "he is endeavoring", "he is aiming", or "he is working towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he strives" instead of "he is striving"?

Yes, "he strives" is also correct, but it has a slightly different nuance. "He strives" implies a habitual or ongoing effort, while "he is striving" indicates a current and active endeavor. Use "he strives" when referring to a general characteristic or long-term pattern of behavior.

How formal is the phrase "he is striving"?

The phrase "he is striving" is considered relatively formal. It is suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "he is trying" or "he is working on it" might be more appropriate.