strive for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive for power" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like "Many people in the world strive for power, but only one can be the leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We tended to reject those that seemed to strive for power at the expense of a sense of place, or those that seemed out of balance.

The New York Times - Food

If you side with Mr. House, you most likely strive for power.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Without any doubt, I am striving for power," he has said publicly.

The New Yorker

Ms. Linke addresses man's growing alienation from his own physicality, an effect of his striving for power.

The New York Times - Arts

Men who pursue politics are also pursuing power, Dr. Geary said, and "from an evolutionary perspective the whole goal of men striving for power is to increase their access to sexual opportunities".

The New York Times

More important for Uganda was the attempt by the governor, Sir Charles Dundas, to reverse his predecessors' policy and to give more freedom to the factions striving for power in Buganda.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all the years of striving for power, once he had it, he said to the American people, "I'll let you in on a secret — I mean to use it".

The New York Times - Books

Could the striving for power among male chimpanzees be some sort of holdover from a previous era, she wondered, when an alpha king could manage to monopolize the fertile females?

The New York Times - Science

Until the contentions for power subside and the guilt reactions attached to deposing the leader dissolve, individuals remain vulnerable to their own blind spots and unconscious reactions to striving for power.

Harvard Business Review

He is at his best when he writes things like this: "I find comfort in the fact that the longer I'm in politics the less nourishing popularity becomes, that a striving for power and rank and fame seems to betray a poverty of ambition, and that I am answerable mainly to the steady gaze of my own conscience".

The New York Times

In a new work, "Le Coq Est Mort," in which German dance meets African dance, the West African troupe will express men's striving for power, reminiscent of the all-male ensemble that Ted Shawn, the festival's founder, created in the 1930's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "strive for power" to convey the effort and ambition involved in gaining influence or control. For example, "In politics, many individuals "strive for power" to implement their vision for society."

Common error

Be careful not to oversimplify the motivations behind "striving for power". Consider the complex interplay of factors such as ambition, ideology, and social responsibility. For example, rather than stating "Politicians only "strive for power"", acknowledge the multifaceted reasons driving their actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive for power" functions as an infinitive phrase that indicates a purpose or goal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct, and examples illustrate its use in describing efforts to gain influence, authority, or control in various contexts, such as politics, business, or personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strive for power" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe the act of pursuing influence or control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. While it's commonly found in news, academic, and business contexts, it's important to consider the ethical implications and potential complexities associated with seeking power. When using the phrase, writers should aim to provide nuanced perspectives and avoid overly simplistic portrayals of motivations. Alternatives like "pursue dominance" or "seek influence" can offer more specific connotations, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue dominance

Focuses on achieving a superior position.

seek influence

Emphasizes gaining the ability to affect others' decisions.

aspire to control

Highlights the desire to manage or direct something.

work towards authority

Suggests effort and progress in gaining power.

aim for supremacy

Indicates a goal of being the highest or most powerful.

struggle for control

Implies a difficult or competitive effort to gain power.

compete for authority

Highlights the competitive nature of seeking power.

vie for leadership

Focuses on competing for a leadership role.

reach for the top

Uses a more general metaphor for achieving a powerful position.

push for influence

Implies active and assertive efforts to gain power.

FAQs

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

You can use "strive for power" to describe efforts to gain influence or control. For example: "Many individuals "strive for power" within their organizations." or "Nations may "strive for power" on the global stage".

What are some alternatives to "strive for power"?

Alternatives to "strive for power" include "pursue dominance", "seek influence", or "aspire to control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "strive for power"?

Not necessarily. "Striving for power" can be seen as positive when it's used to achieve beneficial goals or to advocate for positive change. However, it can be negative if it's pursued selfishly or at the expense of others.

What's the difference between "strive for power" and "struggle for power"?

"Strive for power" generally implies a determined effort, while "struggle for power" suggests a more difficult or contentious effort, implying resistance or opposition. The phrase "struggle for power" suggests higher effort.