sense of ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'sense of ambition' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone's motivation. For example, "Jack's sense of ambition pushed him to work hard and launch his own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The sense of ambition and urgency was palpable.

The New Yorker

With spring comes a new sense of ambition.

The Guardian

He gave [Greater Manchester] a new sense of ambition.

The Guardian

Some attribute that sentiment to a well-developed sense of ambition.

The New York Times

It had one fantastic single, Yellow, that hinted at an otherwise inaudible sense of ambition.

The Guardian - Music

We're delivering on better housing and we have regained our sense of ambition.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Now his subjects are 42, that point of reckoning associated with the American 25th high school reunion, and have a strong sense of ambitions realized or thwarted.

The New York Times

In the end, it's this sense of literary ambition that damns the book.

Independent

In this sense of utopian ambition, the Web has become a gathering place for a rainbow coalition of jihadists.

The Washington Post

The headline acts may not be stellar – Lionel Richie, Bjorn Again and Ali Campbell from UB40 – but the sense of corporate ambition will be tangible.

The Guardian - Sport

Often building towering sculptures out of unstable materials, interjected with malleable elements, the works are infused with a sense of subverted ambition, precariousness, irony, and humor.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group or organization, "sense of ambition" can highlight a collective desire for growth, innovation, and achieving significant milestones.

Common error

While "sense of ambition" is a powerful phrase, it can sound overly formal or grandiose in everyday conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "drive" or "motivation" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of ambition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an internal attribute or quality related to motivation and achievement, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of ambition" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes an internal drive and motivation toward achievement. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Academic contexts, reflecting its appropriateness for describing and analyzing individuals' and organizations' pursuits. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various settings, although simpler terms might be preferable in informal conversation. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "drive for success" or "desire to achieve" to maintain clarity while adding nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive for success

Focuses specifically on the motivation to achieve success.

desire to achieve

Emphasizes the wanting or longing to accomplish something.

motivation to excel

Highlights the internal force that propels someone to perform exceptionally.

aspirations for greatness

Indicates a strong wish to attain a high level of achievement.

yearning for accomplishment

Implies a deep, persistent desire to complete tasks successfully.

goal-oriented mindset

Describes a way of thinking that is focused on achieving specific objectives.

determined pursuit of goals

Stresses the active and resolute effort to reach objectives.

inner drive

Captures a natural tendency to work hard and achieve a lot.

burning desire

It's about a very strong wish to achieve success in something.

high-achieving attitude

It is a personality traits and tendencies which reflects someone desire of ambitions.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of ambition" to describe someone's strong desire for achievement. For example, "Her "sense of ambition" drove her to excel in her career".

What are some alternative phrases for "sense of ambition"?

Alternatives include "drive for success", "desire to achieve", or "motivation to excel", each highlighting slightly different aspects of the same concept.

Is "sense of ambition" formal or informal?

"Sense of ambition" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "sense of ambition" and "sense of purpose"?

"Sense of ambition" refers to a strong desire for achievement and advancement, while "sense of purpose" indicates a feeling of having a meaningful goal or direction in life.