strive for finesse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive for finesse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to aim for a high level of skill or refinement in their work or actions. Example: "In our artistic endeavors, we should always strive for finesse to truly captivate our audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead of power, they strive for finesse.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In our earnest striving for finesse, we sometimes embellish simple words, adorning them with extra syllables.

The New York Times - Magazine

Following the evolving tastes of Steve Kistler, one of its proprietors, rather than the pressure of economic necessity, Kistler has stepped back, striving for finesse and energy rather than power.

The New York Times - Food

"There is no room for finesse any more," says Harry Walker.

BBC

Volume gains for Finesse were expected to result from an increase in overall female smoking incidence [ 76].

Globalization and Health

Strive for that.

The New York Times

I strive for balance.

The New York Times

Do not strive for perfection.

The New York Times

Others strive for sartorial consistency.

The New York Times

I strive for that.

The Guardian - Opinion

But strive for perfection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strive for finesse", consider the context. It is most effective when describing artistic endeavors, culinary arts, or any field where a delicate and refined touch is valued. The term implies not just competence, but also a pursuit of exceptional quality.

Common error

Avoid using "strive for finesse" in situations where efficiency or brute force are more appropriate. The term implies a delicate touch and may sound out of place in contexts requiring directness or speed. For example, avoid saying "we must strive for finesse in our marketing campaign" unless the intent is to convey subtle sophistication, not aggressive sales tactics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive for finesse" functions as a directive, encouraging effort towards achieving a refined quality. Based on the examples found by Ludwig, it's most often used to advocate for a higher level of skill or elegance in various endeavors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strive for finesse" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid expression used to encourage the pursuit of skill, refinement, and elegance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media, and scientific contexts, indicating a generally neutral to formal register. While less frequent than other similar expressions, its use is appropriate when emphasizing the importance of delicate skill and precision. Remember to consider the context and avoid overuse in situations where a more direct or forceful approach is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim for elegance

Replaces "strive" with "aim" and "finesse" with "elegance", focusing on a refined quality.

pursue sophistication

Emphasizes the act of chasing after a refined and cultured quality.

seek refinement

Highlights the search for improvement and polish in execution.

cultivate artistry

Focuses on developing and nurturing skillful creation.

develop expertise

Shifts the focus to the acquisition of deep knowledge and skill.

work towards mastery

Highlights the dedication and effort involved in achieving a high level of skill.

perfect technique

Emphasizes the pursuit of flawless execution in a particular skill.

polish performance

Focuses on refining and improving the quality of an action or presentation.

hone skill

Highlights the sharpening and perfecting of a specific ability.

master craft

Focuses on achieving complete competence in a specific trade or art.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "strive for finesse" in a sentence?

Use "strive for finesse" when you want to emphasize the importance of skill, delicacy, and refinement in achieving a particular goal. For example, "The chef instructed his students to "strive for finesse" in their sauce preparations."

What are some alternatives to "strive for finesse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "aim for elegance", "pursue sophistication", or "seek refinement".

Is "strive for finesse" formal or informal?

"Strive for finesse" leans towards a more formal register, often found in contexts where careful execution and artistry are valued. However, it can be used in neutral contexts to describe aiming for a higher level of skill.

In what fields is "strive for finesse" most applicable?

The phrase "strive for finesse" is particularly applicable in fields such as culinary arts, visual arts, music, and other creative disciplines where attention to detail and a refined approach are highly valued.