he strives for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he strives for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone actively working to reach a certain goal. For example, "John is a dedicated student; he strives for excellence in all of his classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He said he strives for balance, not just sourness.

The New York Times - Food

He knows what he looks for, what he strives for.

The New Yorker

He strives for perfection; he paints with sable and cashmere.

The Washington Post

He can be arrogant and self-absorbed, but he strives for her approval.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Adams has long used subtle amplification to achieve the sound he strives for in opera.

The New York Times - Arts

He strives for an energy level that's as high as his audience's.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Or would he strive for ideological "purity"?

Encyclopedia Britannica

He strove for recognition by the same people he was airbrushing like some modern, mechanized valet.

The New Yorker

Tynes said he strived for a hang time of four seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

And in the big choral movements he strove for instrumental clarity and flowing tempos.

The New York Times - Arts

Even in the scherzo, he strove for an organic steady pace.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he strives for" to depict a continuous and determined effort towards a specific objective. Ensure the context clarifies the nature of the ambition or goal being pursued.

Common error

Avoid using "he strives for" when a simple 'tries' or 'attempts' would suffice. "Strive" implies a significant, dedicated effort, not just a casual attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he strives for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous and purposeful effort towards achieving a specific goal. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase indicates someone actively working to reach a certain goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he strives for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict a person's ongoing and determined effort towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its prevalence in news, arts, and sports contexts suggests its versatility across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the intensity of 'strive' matches the actual effort being described. Remember, alternatives like "he aims for" or "he works towards" can offer subtle nuances. As examples show, the phrase is widely employed to describe dedication in various areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he aims for

Focuses on the target or objective of the effort.

he endeavors to achieve

Highlights effort and the goal of attainment.

he works towards

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and direction of work.

he seeks to attain

Highlights the attempt to gain or reach something.

he pursues

Focuses on the active chase of a goal.

he aspires to

Implies a strong desire or ambition for something.

he is driven by

Focuses on the motivational force behind actions.

he sets his sights on

Implies a deliberate choice of a specific goal.

he targets

Suggests a planned and precise approach to achieving something.

he dedicates himself to

Emphasizes commitment and focused effort.

FAQs

How can I use "he strives for" in a sentence?

Use "he strives for" to indicate someone is making a significant effort to achieve a particular goal. For example, "He strives for excellence in his academic work".

What are some alternatives to "he strives for"?

Alternatives include "he aims for", "he endeavors to achieve", or "he works towards", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "he strives for" or "he is striving for"?

"He strives for" describes a general or habitual effort, while "he is striving for" describes an effort happening right now. Both are correct but have slightly different meanings.

What's the difference between "he strives for" and "he tries to get"?

"He strives for" implies a more determined and ambitious effort than "he tries to get". Striving suggests significant dedication and effort towards a challenging goal.