it drives him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it drives him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something motivates or compels him to act in a certain way. Example: "The desire to succeed drives him to work late into the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

She repeatedly foils his instinctive courtesy on and off the golf course ("You're driving?" he asks incredulously, seeing her behind the wheel of a golf cart), and it drives him wild.

The New York Times

It drives him.

The New York Times - Arts

It drives him insane.

The New York Times

It drives him mad.

The Guardian

And it drives him mad.

The New York Times

She is unknowable, and it drives him crazy.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Although that play was a critical failure, the playwright found its reception freeing in that it drove him to embrace experimentation over positive critical response.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dread behind his secret revelation – so feared, it drove him to kill – was that its discovery would make him hated, marked, a social pariah.

The Guardian

Schwarzenegger says it drove him "absolutely insane" to learn Tesla planned to take its environmentally friendly technology to another state.

Los Angeles Times

It drove him mad.

The New Yorker

It drove him nuts".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it drives him" to vividly describe a powerful internal or external force influencing someone's actions or emotions. This phrase works well when illustrating a character's motivations or explaining someone's intense reactions to a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it drives him" when a milder influence is intended. This phrase suggests a strong, often overwhelming, compulsion, so consider alternatives like "it encourages him" or "it motivates him" if the impact is less forceful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it drives him" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing what motivates or compels a person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showing examples where it clearly indicates a strong internal or external force influencing behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it drives him" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something strongly motivates or compels a person. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use, especially within News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the driving force you wish to describe, as it implies a significant influence. Alternatives such as "it motivates him" or "it compels him" might be more appropriate if the influence is less forceful. Remember to use "it drives him" to vividly illustrate a character's motivations or someone's intense reactions to a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it motivates him

Replaces "drives" with "motivates", focusing on the positive influence.

it compels him

Emphasizes a sense of being forced or urged strongly.

it inspires him

Suggests a more uplifting and creative influence.

it pushes him

Focuses on the effort and persistence resulting from the influence.

it spurs him on

Emphasizes encouragement and forward momentum.

it impels him

Similar to 'compels', but with a slightly more formal tone.

it incites him

Highlights the stimulation or provocation aspect.

it moves him

Focuses on the emotional or profound impact.

it animates him

Suggests bringing energy and enthusiasm.

it galvanizes him

Emphasizes a sudden and powerful effect.

FAQs

How can I use "it drives him" in a sentence?

You can use "it drives him" to describe something that strongly motivates or compels someone. For example, "The desire for recognition "it drives him" to excel in his field".

What does "it drives him" mean?

"It drives him" signifies that something is a powerful motivating force for someone, often pushing them to take action or feel a certain way. It implies a strong influence that is hard to resist.

What can I say instead of "it drives him"?

You can use alternatives like "it motivates him", "it compels him", or "it inspires him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it drives him" formal or informal?

"It drives him" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the intensity of the phrase might make it more suitable for situations where a strong motivating force is being emphasized.