strive to Be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive to Be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or effort to achieve a certain state or quality, often in a motivational or aspirational context. Example: "In our journey towards personal growth, we must strive to be the best versions of ourselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A human being that we should all strive to be.

The New York Times

CENTRAL bankers ordinarily strive to be boring.

The Economist

"I really strive to be daring.

The New York Times

We all strive to be happy.

The New York Times

We also strive to be impartial.

The New York Times - Magazine

Obama will strive to be above that.

The New York Times

"Let's strive to be No. 1 again.

The New York Times

Tonight, the quartet strive to be monumental.

The Guardian - Music

I strive to be a female Warhol.

The Guardian - Music

Like Mr Piano's, their schemes strive to be environmentally friendly.

The Economist

Most reporters, I think, strive to be fair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strive to be" when you want to emphasize a continuous and determined effort toward achieving a specific quality or state. It conveys a sense of ambition and dedication.

Common error

While "strive to be" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. In such cases, consider simpler alternatives like "try to be" or "aim to be" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an effort or attempt to achieve a particular state or quality. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig AI, highlighting its active and intentional nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strive to be" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey effort and aspiration toward achieving a particular state or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an infinitive phrase expressing intent. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context, opting for simpler alternatives like "aim to be" in more informal settings. Found frequently in news and media, and supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, "strive to be" remains a powerful and effective phrase for expressing dedication and ambition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to be

Focuses on intention or goal, suggesting a less intense effort than "strive".

aspire to be

Implies a higher level of ambition or a more elevated goal.

seek to be

Emphasizes the act of searching or pursuing a particular state.

endeavor to be

Suggests a more formal and diligent effort.

try to be

Indicates a general attempt, often with less intensity or commitment.

work towards being

Highlights the ongoing process of development.

make an effort to be

Emphasizes the conscious decision to put in effort.

strive toward

Emphasizes the direction of the effort.

target being

Focuses on specifying objective.

pursue being

Indicates an active quest or chase after specific state.

FAQs

How can I use "strive to be" in a sentence?

You can use "strive to be" to express a strong effort toward achieving a certain quality or state. For instance, "We should all "strive to be better" versions of ourselves" or "Companies should "strive to be unique"".

What are some alternatives to "strive to be"?

Some alternatives include "aim to be", "aspire to be", "seek to be", or "try to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "strive to be" or "strive for"?

"Strive to be" is used when you want to achieve a certain state or quality. "Strive for" is more appropriate when you are aiming for a specific goal or achievement. For example, "strive to be honest" vs. "strive for success".

What does it mean to "strive to be" something?

To "strive to be" something means to consistently put effort and dedication into achieving a particular state or quality. It suggests a continuous effort and a strong desire to reach a certain goal.