strive to exorcise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive to exorcise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the effort to rid oneself or something of an unwanted influence or presence, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In her journey of self-improvement, she strives to exorcise the negative thoughts that have held her back for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Holland will strive to exorcise their history.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Licensed to exorcise, perhaps?

The Guardian - Film

What to exorcise first?

The Guardian

Both had demons to exorcise.

The Guardian - Sport

Pope Ringo sends him to exorcise Wagner.

The Guardian - Film

For Jane, acting was a way to exorcise demons.

The New York Times

We learn about such hatreds in order to exorcise them.

The New York Times - Books

Oakland, desperate to exorcise its postseason demons, only extended them.

The New York Times - Sports

The Dayak of Kalimantan perform a dance to exorcise sickness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then again, everything happens, as Hickey tries to exorcise damage.

The New Yorker

I find it very useful to exorcise characters".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strive to exorcise", ensure that the object being exorcised is abstract, like fears, demons, or negative influences. Avoid using it for concrete objects.

Common error

Avoid using "strive to exorcise" in contexts where a simple removal or cleaning is needed. "Exorcise" implies a deeper, often spiritual or psychological, struggle against something deeply ingrained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive to exorcise" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing a purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI states, it conveys the effort to rid oneself or something of an unwanted influence. The examples provided on Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strive to exorcise" is a phrase used to describe the effort to eliminate or overcome a negative influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. While not frequently used, it appears in news, encyclopedias and wiki contexts, having a neutral to formal register. It's crucial to use "exorcise" appropriately, targeting abstract issues such as fears or demons rather than tangible objects. Alternatives include "attempt to eliminate" or "try to banish". Therefore, while grammatically sound, "strive to exorcise" should be used judiciously to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to eliminate

Focuses on the attempt to completely remove something.

try to banish

Emphasizes the act of forcing something away.

seek to eradicate

Highlights a thorough and complete removal effort.

work to dispel

Suggests an effort to scatter or drive away something, often related to doubts or fears.

endeavor to overcome

Focuses on successfully dealing with or defeating a challenge.

aim to quash

Emphasizes suppressing or putting down something forcefully.

make an effort to expel

Highlights the exertion required to force something out.

struggle to suppress

Conveys a difficult fight to keep something under control.

push to negate

Focuses on rendering something ineffective or invalid through effort.

undertake to purge

Suggests a deliberate and systematic removal of impurities or undesirable elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "strive to exorcise" when you want to express the effort to get rid of something negative or unwanted, such as "She "strives to exorcise" her fears before public speaking".

What does "strive to exorcise" mean?

"Strive to exorcise" means to make a strong effort to get rid of something troublesome, unwanted, or evil. It often implies a difficult or prolonged struggle.

What can I say instead of "strive to exorcise"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to eliminate", "try to banish", or "seek to eradicate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "strive to exorcise"?

It is appropriate to use "strive to exorcise" when referring to persistent or deeply rooted problems, negative influences, or personal demons that require significant effort to overcome.