sheer ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, unadulterated desire to achieve something, often in a context where determination and drive are emphasized. Example: "Her sheer ambition drove her to work late nights and weekends to ensure the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sheer ambition of Mr. Yarshater's vision is daunting.

The New York Times - Books

Sheer ambition is no longer tolerated in American public life.

The Washington Post

The sheer ambition of the Student Centre's design on such a dreadful site is absolutely remarkable.

Independent

But could they have been due to a less sexy cause — sheer ambition?

The New Yorker

They all love anything that "simply forces you to listen through its sheer ambition and persistence".

The Guardian

If there were a prize for sheer ambition, it would justly go to "Time Regained".

The New York Times

But the sheer ambition of these works demand an almost physical attention".

The Guardian - Arts

No conferee since has been able to match Trump for sheer ambition and race-baiting.

The New Yorker

To be charitable, look on and wonder at the sheer ambition of taking on so many hard, important questions.

The Economist

The award for sheer ambition should go this summer to the Montpellier and Lyon festivals and to Julidans in Amsterdam.

The New York Times - Travel

The sheer ambition of the proposal stunned advocates for huge increases in global AIDS funding into applause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer ambition" when you want to emphasize the unadulterated and powerful nature of someone's drive to achieve a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer ambition" to solely describe negative traits like ruthlessness. While ambition can lead to questionable choices, be nuanced in your portrayal by showing both positive and negative sides.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer ambition" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a powerful internal drive or motivation. Ludwig AI suggests it is correct and usable in written English. It is used to express a strong, unadulterated desire to achieve something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Arts

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer ambition" is a frequently used noun phrase that conveys a strong and unadulterated desire to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most often in news and media, highlighting the powerful driving forces behind individuals and projects. When writing, remember that while "sheer ambition" can be a positive trait, it's crucial to consider the context and potential ethical implications. Alternatives like "unwavering ambition" or "raw ambition" can offer slightly different nuances depending on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward ambition

Replaces "sheer" with "straightforward", suggesting a clear and direct ambition.

unwavering ambition

Substitutes "sheer" with "unwavering", emphasizing the steadfast nature of the ambition.

pure ambition

Replaces "sheer" with "pure", highlighting the unadulterated quality of the ambition.

undiluted ambition

Replaces "sheer" with "undiluted", conveying that the ambition is strong and not lessened by anything.

unadulterated ambition

Similar to "pure ambition", but with stronger emphasis on the genuine quality.

simple ambition

Emphasizes the simplicity of the ambition, potentially lacking complexity.

mere ambition

Suggests the ambition is basic or rudimentary.

raw ambition

Highlights the untamed and fundamental nature of the ambition.

naked ambition

Similar to "raw ambition", but emphasizes the vulnerability of ambition.

unrestrained ambition

Indicates that the ambition is not controlled or limited.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer ambition" in a sentence?

"Sheer ambition" is typically used to describe someone's strong and unwavering desire to achieve something. For example: "Her sheer ambition drove her to succeed in a competitive industry."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "sheer ambition"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unwavering ambition", "pure ambition", or "raw ambition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer ambition" a positive or negative trait?

"Sheer ambition" can be either positive or negative depending on the context. While it can drive individuals to achieve great things, it can also lead to unethical behavior if not tempered by morality and empathy.

What is the difference between "sheer ambition" and "simple ambition"?

"Sheer ambition" emphasizes the intensity and purity of the desire, whereas "simple ambition" suggests a less complex or grand goal.