pushing for perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pushing for perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of striving to achieve the highest possible standards or quality in a task or project. Example: "In our quest for excellence, we are constantly pushing for perfection in every aspect of our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Chambers said: "We have gone through a lot of hardships with the relays and trying to push for perfection.

The Guardian - Sport

In Ms. Stewart's world, significant achievement in the domestic arts always requires a bit of suffering, pushing for a kind of perfection that only she can see.

The New York Times

Push for perfection.

The New York Times

But in the 1990s, that push for perfection was considered too expensive, and cost control became more important to ExxonMobil and other companies.

Huffington Post

Keep pushing for justice.

The New York Times

Pushing for Privacy.

Forbes

As Mr. Dayton said himself, "The job of a trustee is to push for an impossible perfection".

The New York Times - Arts

The drive for perfection is endless.

The Guardian - Sport

Allardyce promises a relentless drive for perfection.

The Guardian - Sport

Who had this relentless driving force for perfection.

TechCrunch

Mindfulness is not a drive for perfection.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pushing for perfection", ensure that the context acknowledges the potential downsides of excessive focus on perfection, such as increased stress or missed deadlines. Balance the drive for excellence with practicality.

Common error

Avoid presenting "pushing for perfection" as the only acceptable approach. Recognize and value incremental improvements and progress, even if they don't immediately achieve a flawless result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushing for perfection" functions as a dynamic expression indicating active pursuit of an ideal state. It describes the process of striving for the highest possible standards, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This contrasts with simply desiring perfection.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pushing for perfection" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the active pursuit of the highest possible standards. While Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness, the scarcity of exact examples suggests a potentially infrequent usage. The phrase conveys ambition and commitment, and while generally suited for professional contexts, it also appears in neutral news and media settings. When employing this phrase, it is important to consider the potential downsides of an excessive focus on perfection and to balance the pursuit of excellence with practicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving for excellence

Replaces "perfection" with "excellence", focusing on high quality rather than flawlessness.

aiming for flawlessness

Substitutes "pushing" with "aiming" and "perfection" with "flawlessness", emphasizing the goal of being without defects.

pursuing the ideal

Uses a more abstract term, "ideal", to represent perfection, suggesting a continuous effort.

seeking ultimate quality

Focuses on the "quality" aspect of perfection, emphasizing the highest level of achievement.

working towards excellence

Emphasizes the "work" involved in achieving excellence, rather than focusing on the end result of perfection.

endeavoring for perfection

Replaces "pushing" with "endeavoring", suggesting a more formal and determined effort.

reaching for the stars

A more figurative expression, implying aiming for something extremely high and difficult to achieve.

obsessed with flawlessness

Indicates an extreme focus on perfection, bordering on obsession.

determined to be perfect

Highlights the "determination" to achieve perfection, suggesting a strong will.

committed to high standards

Shifts the focus to maintaining "high standards" as a continuous practice.

FAQs

How can I use "pushing for perfection" in a sentence?

You might say, "The team is constantly pushing for perfection in their product design" or "Despite the challenges, she's always pushing for perfection in her artwork".

What's a good alternative to "pushing for perfection"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, alternatives include "striving for excellence", "aiming for flawlessness", or "seeking ultimate quality".

Is it always good to be "pushing for perfection"?

While aiming for high standards is admirable, an excessive focus on perfection can sometimes lead to stress, delays, or missed opportunities. It's important to balance the pursuit of excellence with practicality and efficiency.

What's the difference between "pushing for perfection" and "striving for excellence"?

"Pushing for perfection" implies aiming for a flawless outcome, while "striving for excellence" suggests a continuous effort to improve and achieve high quality, even if perfection isn't attainable. Excellence focuses on high standards and constant improvement.