she was driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was driven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is highly motivated or determined to achieve something. Example: "Despite the challenges she faced, she was driven to succeed in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was driven.

The Guardian - Arts

She was driven along by what the neighbours might think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But she was driven to start work immediately.

The Guardian - Arts

She was driven to her home on East 13th Street.

The New York Times

Mr. Fertel also liked that she was driven but generous.

The New York Times

She was driven home and paid the agreed fee.

The Guardian

The pressure was such that either she was driven to suicide or she was killed".

The New York Times

(Subsequently she was driven back by the Thai authorities into Cambodia, & almost certain death).

The New Yorker

She was driven by a campaign of intimidation that stretched back over a decade.

The New York Times

In Elizabeth, New Jersey, she was "driven blindfolded and alone to a motel".

The New Yorker

She was driven to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead about 45 minutes later.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was driven" to convey a strong sense of purpose or motivation behind someone's actions. It's effective when you want to emphasize their internal desire or external pressure that led them to act.

Common error

Avoid using "driven" in every instance where motivation is present. Overusing it can weaken its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "motivated", "compelled", or "determined" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was driven" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a female subject possessed a strong sense of purpose or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, suggesting it's a common and grammatically sound construction. The verb 'driven' acts as a past participle in a passive construction, conveying the idea that the subject was acted upon by some force, internal or external.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was driven" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone's strong motivation or purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most often in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of intensity or direction in a person's actions. While synonyms like "motivated" or "determined" exist, "driven" often implies a more compelling force, whether internal or external. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was determined

Stresses the firmness of her resolve and intention.

she was motivated

Suggests an external or internal incentive spurred her on.

she felt compelled

Implies an internal force or obligation driving her actions.

she was resolute

Highlights her unwavering commitment to a course of action.

she was impelled

Highlights a forceful push or constraint causing her action.

she was spurred on

Emphasizes an external encouragement that increased her drive.

she was propelled

Focuses on the momentum and force that moved her forward.

she was ambitious

Highlights her strong desire for success and achievement.

she was zealous

Indicates her passionate and energetic pursuit of a goal.

she was ardent

Emphasizes the intensity and enthusiasm behind her drive.

FAQs

How can I use "she was driven" in a sentence?

"She was driven" is used to express that someone had a strong motivation or compulsion to act in a certain way. For example, you might say, "She was driven by a desire to help others" or "She was driven to succeed despite the obstacles".

What are some alternatives to saying "she was driven"?

Alternatives include "she was motivated", "she was determined", "she felt compelled", or "she was ambitious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "she was driven" and "she was motivated"?

"She was driven" often implies a stronger, more intense internal force or external pressure, whereas "she was motivated" suggests a more general desire or incentive. Driven can also imply a relentless pursuit, whereas motivated may indicate a more balanced approach.

Is it correct to say "she is driven" or "she was driven"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "She is driven" describes a current state or ongoing characteristic, while "she was driven" describes a state that existed in the past. The choice depends on whether you are referring to her present or past motivation.