initiative and drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiative and drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's motivation and proactive attitude towards achieving goals or completing tasks. Example: "Her initiative and drive have significantly contributed to the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Such behavior-limiting regulations may inhibit thinking and sap initiative and drive.

The New Yorker

Now, when an idea that makes sense comes along, the corporate people take the initiative and drive the deal through.

The Economist

Academically, she is not the strongest applicant from this school, but she has very compelling personal qualities, initiative and drive.

The New York Times

During the previous administration, the S.B.A. was considered an important vehicle for bolstering the initiative and drive of entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the animus against the rich continues to thrive, especially among the chattering classes (has anyone ever been among a group of artsy types who had anything positive to say about the wealthy?), even as they are held up as exemplars of initiative and drive.

The New York Times

Not only does securing placements take initiative and drive, it also gives you a valuable insight into the world of work, which will make you feel much more at ease when you come to apply for graduate schemes and entry-level jobs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The funds will support Tray.io's strategic hiring initiatives and drive continued development of its integration and automation platform.

TechCrunch

Exposed to a corrupt system, many Greeks have shown initiative, adaptability and drive, but, sadly, this has further increased the incidence of corruption.

Huffington Post

As a global citizen, Shail is passionate about cause driven initiatives and driven with the motto of 'what you do in life, echoes in eternity'.

Huffington Post

We've stripped away the boundaries and formalities and leveraged that independent initiative and collaborative drive.

Huffington Post

At the same time, the government has come up with various initiatives to fund and drive the hi-tech sector.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's qualities in a professional context, use "initiative and drive" to highlight their proactive nature and strong motivation to achieve goals. This phrase is particularly effective in resumes, performance reviews, and recommendation letters.

Common error

While "initiative and drive" is a valuable attribute, avoid overusing it to the point where it becomes cliché or seems insincere. Provide specific examples to illustrate how someone demonstrates these qualities rather than simply stating that they possess them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiative and drive" functions as a compound noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object to describe qualities of individuals or organizations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initiative and drive" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing someone's proactive and motivated approach. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for professional contexts and is found in various sources like news articles and business reports. While the phrase is effective, it's important to use it thoughtfully and provide specific examples to illustrate its meaning. Some alternatives that may be used, depending on the nuance you wish to convey, include "proactiveness and ambition" or "self-motivation and determination". The phrase shows a moderate usage frequency, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proactiveness and ambition

Focuses more on taking action before being asked and having a strong desire for achievement.

self-motivation and determination

Highlights the internal motivation and resolve needed to pursue goals.

resourcefulness and energy

Emphasizes the ability to find solutions and the vigor to implement them.

enterprising spirit and dynamism

Suggests a bold, innovative approach and a lively, energetic quality.

leadership and assertiveness

Places more weight on guiding others and confidently expressing one's views.

go-getting attitude and vigor

Implies an eagerness to pursue opportunities and a robust energy level.

ambition and dynamism

Highlights a strong desire for success and a vibrant energy.

zeal and resourcefulness

Focuses on enthusiasm and the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

self-reliance and ambition

Emphasizes independence and a strong desire for accomplishment.

capacity for innovation and energetic execution

Highlights both the ability to generate new ideas and the energy to carry them out.

FAQs

How can I effectively demonstrate "initiative and drive" in my resume?

Instead of just stating that you have "initiative and drive", provide specific examples of situations where you took proactive steps, overcame challenges, and achieved results. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to showcase the impact of your actions.

What are some alternative phrases to "initiative and drive" that I can use in a cover letter?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "proactiveness and ambition", "self-motivation and determination", or "resourcefulness and energy" to convey similar qualities with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "initiative and drive" in a formal business setting?

Yes, "initiative and drive" is generally appropriate in formal business settings, as it conveys valuable qualities such as proactivity, motivation, and a results-oriented approach. However, ensure that your usage is genuine and supported by specific examples.

What's the difference between "initiative and drive" and "motivation and ambition"?

"Initiative and drive" emphasizes the ability to take action independently and the energy to pursue goals, while "motivation and ambition" focuses more on the internal desire to achieve success. While similar, "initiative and drive" suggests a more proactive and action-oriented approach.