strive for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive for something" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to talk about putting in effort to accomplish something, whether it's a goal, dream, or something else. For example, "She was determined to strive for something more in life and never give up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's made me strive for something more in my relationships.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here on earth, let's strive for something better.

The New Yorker

We all face the same fate, no matter how much we might strive for something more.

The New York Times

"I strive for something iconic and monumental that transcends the boundaries of culture, nature and geography," Mr. Reddy said.

The New York Times

The Capitol was a pioneering effort — the first, perhaps, since the ancient world — to strive for something like democratic splendor.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think when you have two teams with a passion to strive for something, we're both going after it hard.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

They're always striving for something better, something unattainable.

The Guardian - Music

Dennis was striving for something similarly autobiographical - but this was music wholly unconcerned with commerciality.

The Guardian - Music

Instead of playing basketball on the street, he strives for something higher.

The New York Times

But in Beijing, the architects were clearly striving for something more heroic.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Sarrazin then proposed that "anyone who can do something and strives for something with us is welcome".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strive for something", ensure the 'something' is clearly defined or contextually understood to avoid ambiguity. Providing a specific target enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "strive for something" without indicating the nature of that 'something'. Vague aspirations lack direction and impact. Instead of saying "They strive for something", specify "They strive for innovation" or "They strive for social justice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive for something" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating an effortful attempt to achieve a particular but unspecified goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It often precedes a noun phrase that specifies the desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strive for something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that conveys the idea of working towards a goal. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is important to specify the 'something' to provide clarity and impact. While versatile, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, remember to avoid vagueness and focus on realistic, attainable improvements. It's better to "strive for improvement" rather than "strive for perfection".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to achieve something

Highlights the attempt to attain a particular accomplishment.

pursue a goal

Emphasizes the active chase of a specific objective.

work towards an objective

Highlights the effort involved in achieving a specific objective.

aim for achievement

Highlights the intent to reach a successful outcome.

endeavor to succeed

Emphasizes the attempt to achieve success.

seek betterment

Focuses on improving one's condition or state.

make an effort to improve

Focuses on the exertion of energy to bring about a better state.

aspire to greatness

Indicates a desire for significant achievement or recognition.

have ambitions

Indicates the presence of strong desires and goals.

reach for the stars

Implies aiming for something very ambitious or seemingly unattainable.

FAQs

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

You can use "strive for something" to describe the act of working hard towards a specific goal. For example, "She decided to "strive for something" meaningful in her career".

What's a good alternative to "strive for something"?

Alternatives include "pursue a goal", "aim for achievement", or "work towards an objective". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to "strive for perfection" or "strive for improvement"?

While both are valuable, "striving for improvement" is often more realistic and sustainable. "Striving for perfection" can lead to disappointment and burnout, whereas "striving for improvement" encourages continuous growth.

What does it mean to "strive for something higher"?

To "strive for something higher" implies aiming for goals that are morally, ethically, or spiritually elevated. This often involves pursuing objectives that benefit others or contribute to a greater good.