striving to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "striving to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an effort or desire to gain knowledge or insight about a particular subject or situation. Example: "In our discussions, we are all striving to understand the complexities of the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

For nearly two years now, the Mets have been striving to understand what that thing is.

The New York Times - Sports

The chaplain has also been striving to understand why the House can seem so resistant to that generosity of spirit.

The New York Times

"The university should remember that its mission is not to reflect fashion but to seek truth and that means striving to understand before rushing to judge".

Independent

For William Stringfellow, this meant striving to understand America biblically, not ("to put it in an appropriately awkward way"), the Bible Americanly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether it's physicians trying to determine how a virus works, or ecologists striving to understand how ecosystems function, science is about observing nature carefully and attempting to decipher how and why it works the way it does.

The New York Times

The reader's experience, as he or she tries to make sense of unfamiliar scenes and strange images, parallels that of the migrant, striving to understand without the aid of language.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

When you cease to strive to understand, then you will know, without understanding.

Huffington Post

So I get angry.' (75-year-old female)   Understanding of the forgetfulness   Understanding of the forgetfulness The participants strove to understand why they had acquired their forgetfulness and how their condition had developed.

BMC Public Health

Assessing and understanding governance in the health system is crucial as public officials, donors and researchers strive to understand how to improve the performance of health systems.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Strive to understand its conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He must strive to understand the other side's concerns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "striving to understand", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being understood and why the effort is significant. This provides clarity and emphasizes the importance of the understanding process.

Common error

Avoid using "striving to understand" in overly complex sentences where the core meaning becomes obscured. Simplify the sentence structure to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "striving to understand" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun that describes the act of making an effort to comprehend. Ludwig examples show it's used to indicate an ongoing process of attempting to gain knowledge or insight.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "striving to understand" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a dedicated effort to comprehend something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples showcase its presence in various contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic content. The phrase suggests a continuous and determined effort, distinguishing it from simpler alternatives like "trying to understand". While versatile, it's best used in contexts where the effort and dedication to understanding are emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to comprehend

Emphasizes the search for understanding, focusing on the effort to grasp something.

endeavoring to grasp

Highlights the effort and intention behind trying to understand something.

working towards comprehension

Focuses on the active process and progress made in achieving understanding.

attempting to decipher

Implies that something is complex and requires effort to understand.

trying to make sense of

Highlights the effort to find meaning or order in something.

aiming for insight

Focuses on the desired outcome of understanding, which is gaining insight.

pursuing knowledge

Emphasizes the active seeking and acquisition of knowledge to build understanding.

exploring to comprehend

Highlights the act of investigating and delving into a subject to understand it.

delving into to understand

Conveys a deeper, more thorough investigation to achieve understanding.

investigating for clarity

Focuses on investigation as a means to achieve clear understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "striving to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "striving to understand" to describe efforts to comprehend complex topics. For example, "Scientists are "striving to understand" the effects of climate change" or "The students are "striving to understand" the historical context of the novel".

What are some alternatives to "striving to understand"?

Alternatives include "seeking to comprehend", "endeavoring to grasp", or "attempting to decipher". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strive to understand" or "striving to understand"?

"Strive to understand" is an imperative or infinitive form, often used as a call to action or general principle. "Striving to understand" is a gerund phrase, indicating an ongoing effort or process. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning and grammatical context.

What is the difference between "striving to understand" and "trying to understand"?

"Striving to understand" suggests a more dedicated and persistent effort than "trying to understand". "Striving" implies a higher level of commitment and determination in the pursuit of comprehension.