strive to make a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'strive to make a difference' is a grammatically correct sentence and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence whenever you want to encourage someone to try to improve the world or to make a positive impact on others. For example: "As a leader, it is your responsibility to strive to make a difference in the lives of those you lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

These experiences drove Ferdinand to strive to make a difference.

The Guardian - Sport

The people who make up the intelligence community are dedicated, hard-working and patriotic individuals who honestly believe in their mission and strive to make a difference.

The New York Times

The care and camaraderie of the support network who strive to make a difference help to make this a job I would not trade for any other.

The Guardian

"In government, you strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others, not win awards," Mr. Bloomberg said in his radio address.

The New York Times

She added that the club doesn't use wealth as a criterion for membership and, in fact, is looking for members who "strive to make a difference in the world" and are "philanthropic".

The New Yorker

Equal parts research focus and career vision, a brand identity is a map of a few key subareas where you strive to make a difference over a sustained period.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yvonne taught others the importance of striving to make a difference in the lives of others.

The New York Times

Dear Peter, Changes will only be made into the racism that affects not only the police service but every single institution if more ethnic minorities are on the inside striving to make a difference and climbing up the ladder, rather than being on the outside looking in without ever having a chance to change anything.

The Guardian

It is a privilege to be part of an organization that delivers high quality products and services to over 16,000,000 customers, develops talented professionals into leaders and continually strives to make a difference in the communities where we live and work," said Perekalsky in a statement.

TechCrunch

"It has been a great honor to spend so many years in public service, striving to make a difference for Southern California families.

Huffington Post

Every individual who understands that the future of our children and grandchildren depends on what we do now, and is striving to make a difference.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before deploying the phrase "strive to make a difference", consider how your audience might interpret it, and ensure your actions align with the sentiment expressed, thus building trust and authenticity.

Common error

Avoid using "strive to make a difference" as a generic statement without demonstrating concrete actions or specific goals. This can lead to skepticism and a perception of insincerity. Make sure to provide examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive to make a difference" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose or intention behind an action. It outlines the motivation to positively impact a situation or community, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strive to make a difference" is a phrase commonly used to convey a strong commitment to creating a positive impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its frequency, source quality, and consistent usage highlight its significance. While many sources, like the Huffington Post and The New York Times, employ it, it's crucial to use the phrase thoughtfully and back it with concrete actions to avoid appearing insincere. Remember to be specific about how you intend to "strive to make a difference" to maximize your impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor to have an impact

Replaces "strive" with "endeavor" and "make a difference" with "have an impact", slightly formalizing the tone.

aspire to influence positively

Replaces "strive" with "aspire" and "make a difference" with "influence positively", adding a touch of ambition.

aim to contribute positively

Focuses on the positive contribution aspect, changing "make a difference" to "contribute positively".

try to create a positive effect

Uses "try" instead of "strive", suggesting less intensity, and "create a positive effect" instead of "make a difference".

work towards a positive change

Emphasizes the effort (work) and the goal (positive change), rather than striving.

pursue a meaningful contribution

Changes the focus to pursuing a "meaningful contribution", making it more about personal fulfillment.

seek to improve things

Simplifies the sentiment, replacing "make a difference" with the more general "improve things".

devote effort to betterment

Emphasizes dedicated effort, using "betterment" as a more abstract term for positive change.

dedicate oneself to progress

Highlights dedication and advancement, offering a more formal alternative.

commit to bettering the world

Focuses on commitment and global improvement, making it a broader statement.

FAQs

How can I use "strive to make a difference" in a sentence?

You can use "strive to make a difference" to express a commitment to improving a situation or community. For example, "As a volunteer, I "strive to make a difference" in the lives of underprivileged children".

What are some alternatives to "strive to make a difference"?

Some alternatives include "endeavor to have an impact", "aim to contribute positively", or "work towards a positive change", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "strive to make a difference"?

To "strive to make a difference" means to dedicate effort and intention toward creating a positive impact or improvement in a particular area or within a community.

Is it better to "strive to make a difference" or "try to make a difference"?

"Strive to make a difference" suggests a more committed and determined effort, while "try to make a difference" implies a less intense or more experimental approach. The best choice depends on the level of commitment you wish to convey.