strive to survive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strive to survive" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of working hard to survive a difficult time, or to make it through a difficult situation. For example, "In a difficult economy, many families are forced to strive to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But we also strive to survive as a physical body.

The Guardian

And strive to survive long enough to get an explanation.

The Guardian

Vegetation at first seems nonexistent, but the discerning eye can find sparse patches of growth on the surface, or bits of green where shrubs strive to survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The immediate stakes were double or nothing for the top-seeded Hingis at the Open, the Grand Slam event that demands Herculean performances from those mortals who strive to survive it with their laurels intact.

The New York Times - Sports

It is written for the C-suite, and will prove an invaluable source of ideas and insights for CEOs in the years ahead as they strive to survive in an increasingly relentless operating environment.

Forbes

Flux of Pink Indians - "Tapioca Sunrise" from Strive to Survive Causing Least Suffering Possible [1982] 14.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Bloom, who is also a psychotherapist, vividly chronicles the inner lives of people caught in emotional and physical constraints — illnesses they are striving to survive, regrets they are trying to allay, desires they often dare not fulfill.

The New York Times - Books

Benítez's problem is that, for the second Christmas running, there is a sense that much excited takeover talk could well come to nothing, leaving Ashley still the owner and a skinny squad striving to survive.

The Guardian - Sport

It's full of the drama of birth and death and agendas of all these organisms and beings striving to survive".

Vice

When the Chinese CROs began their business at the beginning of 21st century, most of them strived to survive by attracting clients with their advantages of low human and material cost without too much emphasis on the service quality.

Globalization and Health

In the poorest corners of the world, people strive not simply to survive, but also to thrive.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strive to survive" when you want to convey a sense of effort and determination in overcoming challenging circumstances to stay alive or functional.

Common error

Avoid using "strive to survive" in situations where simple survival isn't really at stake. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strive to survive" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing a purpose or intention. Ludwig examples show it describing efforts to overcome challenges, whether in business, personal life, or nature. It often implies a difficult or precarious situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strive to survive" is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and is used to convey the effort and determination needed to overcome challenges for continued existence. While not highly frequent, it is found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase carries a slightly formal tone and is often used in News & Media contexts to emphasize resilience in difficult circumstances. Alternatives such as "struggle to live" or "fight for survival" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggle to live

Emphasizes the difficulty of living in challenging conditions.

fight for survival

Highlights the combative aspect of trying to stay alive.

work hard to endure

Focuses on the effort required to withstand hardship.

endeavor to persevere

Stresses the determination needed to continue despite difficulties.

make an effort to exist

A more basic way of expressing the act of staying alive.

try to stay alive

A simple and direct alternative.

seek to remain alive

Adds a formal tone to the idea of surviving.

aim to subsist

Focuses on obtaining the basic necessities for survival.

push to continue living

Highlights the continuous effort required.

labor to sustain life

Emphasizes the physical effort involved in survival.

FAQs

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

You can use "strive to survive" to describe situations where individuals or entities are working hard to overcome challenges and continue existing. For instance: "In the face of economic hardship, many small businesses "strive to survive"".

What are some alternatives to "strive to survive"?

Alternatives include "struggle to live", "fight for survival", or "work hard to endure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "strive for survival" instead of "strive to survive"?

While "strive for survival" is grammatically correct, it places more emphasis on the goal of survival. "Strive to survive" focuses on the process and effort of surviving.

What is the difference between "strive to survive" and "try to survive"?

"Strive to survive" suggests a more determined and persistent effort than "try to survive". "Strive" implies a higher level of commitment and exertion.