strive for perfection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive for perfection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to someone's ambition to do their best in a particular activity. For example, "The senior basketball team is known for their determination and commitment to strive for perfection on the court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though sabermetricians strive for perfection, a truly perfect statistic will never exist.

WikiHow

No-one's perfect – though we may all strive for perfection.

The Guardian

"No organisation is perfect but I think you should strive for perfection," Rowsell Shand said.

BBC

It's good to strive for perfection but understand that you're never going to be perfect.

Huffington Post

"We strive for perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

But strive for perfection.

The New York Times

Do not strive for perfection.

The New York Times

Don't strive for perfection.

Harvard Business Review

The college groups strive for perfection.

The New York Times - Arts

Don't strive for perfection, strive for DONE.

Columbia University

"To strive for perfection brings disaster again and again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strive for perfection", balance the aspiration with the understanding that complete perfection is often unattainable. Focus on continuous improvement and learning from mistakes.

Common error

Don't let the pursuit of perfection paralyze you or your team. Recognize that "good enough" is sometimes better than holding out indefinitely for an unattainable ideal. Emphasize progress over an illusionary end-point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive for perfection" functions as an expression of intent or aspiration. It describes a determined effort to achieve the highest possible standard, often used in motivational or goal-setting contexts. Ludwig's examples show its wide applicability across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strive for perfection" is a commonly used expression that signifies the act of aiming for the highest possible standard. Grammatically sound and versatile, it finds its place across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While "strive for perfection" underlines ambition and diligence, it’s crucial to balance this pursuit with realism, recognizing that progress and consistent effort often outweigh the quest for an unattainable ideal. Alternatives like "pursue excellence" or "aspire to perfection" can offer nuanced perspectives depending on the context. Remember, the journey of improvement is often more valuable than the elusive destination of absolute perfection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspire to perfection

Indicates a strong desire and ambition to reach a perfect state.

work towards excellence

Stresses the effort and process involved in achieving a high standard.

pursue excellence

Focuses more on achieving a high standard rather than absolute flawlessness.

endeavor for perfection

Highlights the attempt and diligent effort put into achieving perfection.

aim for flawlessness

Emphasizes the absence of errors as the primary goal.

target perfection

Suggests setting perfection as a specific objective or goal.

seek ideal

Highlights the search for a perfect or ultimate standard.

shoot for the stars

An idiomatic expression signifying aiming for an ambitious goal, often implying perfection.

give your best shot

Focuses on putting forth maximum effort, indirectly implying a pursuit of perfection.

make every effort

Emphasizes the dedication and exertion put into achieving a desired outcome, including perfection.

FAQs

How can I use "strive for perfection" in a sentence?

You can use "strive for perfection" to describe an attempt to achieve the highest possible standard. For example: "Our team should "strive for perfection" in every aspect of the project."

What is a more formal way to say "strive for perfection"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "pursue excellence" or "aspire to perfection".

Is it always good to strive for perfection?

While striving for perfection can lead to high-quality results, it's important to balance it with practicality and efficiency. Sometimes, aiming for excellence is more realistic and sustainable.

What are some potential downsides of always striving for perfection?

Overly striving for perfection can lead to burnout, delays, and a fear of failure. It's crucial to prioritize well-being and recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process.