sense of drive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of drive" is correct and usable in written English.
It describes the motivation one has for achieving a goal. For example, "My supervisor saw my dedication and increased my salary in recognition of my sense of drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A sense of "drive out" or "swarm" supposedly knocks around in there somewhere (a swarm of thoughts, like bees, fast and done?).

The New Yorker

Though a colonel in a crisp uniform smelling of starch does his best "half-assed Patton imitation" and tells the young soldiers to "give 'em hell," Bartle feels little sense of drive or destination or purpose.

The New York Times - Books

The Andante espressivo second movement, for example, had a lovely, singing quality, though the sense of drive that propelled the fast movements was always just beneath the (comparatively) calm surface.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Wasiak, 60, said that he was leaving in part because John Dooner, who was named chairman and chief executive in February, had brought the agency a new sense of drive.

The New York Times

Not that Nick was ever exactly one to be motivated by a sense of "drive" or ego – there is the story of the time Françoise Hardy, who, as a winsome breathy chanteuse must have obviously been drawn to Drake's similar, superiority-wrought style, phoned Island Records, more or less ordering Drake over to France to write songs for her.

The Guardian - Music

But for me, what's lacking here is a gutsier swing in the minuets, a more audacious sense of drive from the bottom up, a hint of wonky squeezebox in inner textures and an edge of reckless abandon in the fast movements.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Grevemberg says growing up in the deep south gave him a heightened sense of cause and drive.

BBC

But it fills the head with an amazing sense of artistic drive and energy and its worldly repercussions.

The New York Times - Arts

In his own mind, he still fits Boris Johnson's assessment: "An obvious man of destiny, not least because he exudes a sense of purpose, drive and ambition".

The Guardian - Opinion

Mike doesn't look for résumés; he looks for qualities empathy, tenacity, sense of humor, drive, common sense and ability to handle rejection, to name a few.

Forbes

Something of this global, romantic and Quixotic sense of grievance drove the movement through a period of heady expansion, and also perhaps contributed to its ultimate disarray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's professional qualities, using "sense of drive" can effectively convey their ambition and motivation to succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of drive" when describing simple desires. This phrase indicates a deeper, more profound motivation or ambition, not just a passing interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of drive" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes an individual's intrinsic motivation and ambition toward achieving specific goals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of drive" is a noun phrase used to describe someone's internal motivation and ambition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news, media, and science contexts, suggesting a relatively neutral register. Related phrases include “inner drive”, “determination”, and “sense of purpose”. When using this phrase, it is best to convey ambition and motivation to succeed, and avoid using it to describe simple desires. Overall, "sense of drive" is a common and appropriate way to describe someone's ambition and motivation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of purpose

Shifts focus to having a clear aim or goal.

inner drive

Emphasizes the internal source of motivation.

self-motivation

Highlights motivation originating from oneself.

a burning desire

Highlights the intensity of the want or need.

motivation

Single-word alternative that focuses on the reason for acting.

determination

Single-word alternative emphasizing firmness of purpose.

ambition

Single-word alternative highlighting the desire for achievement.

strong work ethic

Focuses on dedication and diligence in work.

eagerness

Highlights the enthusiasm and willingness.

zeal

Emphasizes passionate enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of drive" to describe someone's motivation or ambition, such as, "Her "sense of drive" propelled her to the top of her field".

What's a good alternative to "sense of drive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "inner drive", "sense of purpose", or "determination" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say 'a sense of drove' instead of "sense of drive"?

No, "a sense of drove" is incorrect. "Drove" refers to a herd of animals being moved, while "drive" in this context refers to motivation and ambition.

What distinguishes "sense of drive" from simply being motivated?

"Sense of drive" often implies a more inherent, intrinsic motivation and direction, whereas being "motivated" can be situational. A "sense of drive" suggests a continuous, self-propelled force.