strive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "strive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an effort to do something difficult or to achieve a goal. For example, "He strived for excellence in all of his endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must also strive to eliminate the cause of disadvantage and promote greater prosperity for all.

The Guardian

What we strive for is for people to understand our story and the real people behind it.

The Guardian

We strive for accuracy (even more than the Senate itself), but if you have any corrections, please contact GlobalFamilyReunion.com.

The Guardian - Opinion

An important part of the moderators' work on the Guardian website is to strive to make the community a welcoming forum for enlightened debate, and at times this will involve removing comments, but these removals will always be in line with the community standards.

The Guardian

The late, libidinous, Alan Clarke's Diaries tell you more than any academic study about the reality of politics, about the relationship between politicians and civil servants, the way individuals exploit power, and the way the apparently powerful strive to achieve within the structures and constraints in which they operate.

The Guardian

We wanted Britain to become a centre of excellence and to encompass all that is good about the arts; to strive for excellence, to create something new and sometimes out of nothing, to work together and to be proud of our contribution.

The Guardian

Like Rodgers, Postecoglou should strive to get his squad playing intelligent football: Australian players have shown they are capable of doing so.

The Guardian - Sport

Later I was working on an idea about a ballet dancer in a pit village, which seemed to allow for all kinds of artiness, but if it was about the kid reaching for High Art, why couldn't I strive to find a popular (read 'Low') form for the story?

The Guardian - Film

"There's too much of that at the NAO, that's what they strive for," he added.

The Guardian

"He thought: 'I've got something to strive for here.' He realised that if he knuckled down he could make a life for him and his daughter".

The Guardian - Sport

"By linking young people to the values of sport", his lordship announced, "Wenlock and Mandeville will help inspire kids to strive to be the best they can be".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strive" when you want to emphasize a determined and persistent effort towards achieving a goal, especially in formal or aspirational contexts.

Common error

While "strive" is a versatile word, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversation; simpler terms like "try" or "work towards" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Strive primarily functions as an intransitive verb, often followed by "to" + infinitive or "for" + noun. It describes the act of making a determined effort to achieve something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of "strive" used in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "strive" is a versatile verb that signifies making a determined and persistent effort to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business communications, and scientific writing. While "strive" suggests a strong commitment, remember that simpler alternatives like "try" or "work towards" might be more appropriate in informal settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "strive" to convey your intent and aspirations with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor

Focuses on earnest and industrious effort toward a specific goal.

aspire

Implies having ambitions and directing efforts toward achieving something elevated.

work towards

Emphasizes consistent effort aimed at achieving a particular objective.

seek

Highlights the act of searching for or pursuing something desirable.

pursue

Suggests actively following or trying to obtain something.

aim for

Indicates setting a goal and directing efforts to reach it.

compete

Highlights rivalry and the attempt to outperform others.

struggle

Conveys a difficult and challenging effort against obstacles.

vie

Suggests active competition for superiority or advantage.

make an effort

A general term for consciously applying oneself to a task.

FAQs

How do you use "strive" in a sentence?

You can use "strive" to describe making a great effort to achieve or obtain something. For instance, "We must "strive to decondition" ourselves from this damaging habit" or "Companies may not want to borrow to invest, for fear that stimulus programmes will be followed by tax rises as governments "strive to tackle" their deficits."

What are some synonyms for "strive"?

Alternatives to "strive" include "endeavor", "aspire", "seek", and "pursue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "strive for perfection"?

Yes, "strive for perfection" is a common and grammatically correct phrase. It means to make a great effort to achieve a perfect result, even if perfection itself is unattainable.

What's the difference between "strive" and "try"?

"Strive" implies a more determined and sustained effort than "try". While "try" suggests making an attempt, "strive" suggests a greater degree of commitment and perseverance.