strove for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'strove for' is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used to express the idea of having attempted to achieve a goal or to express effort to attain something. For example: The runner strove for the finish line, pushing hard to cross it first.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Daniel Catán strove for authenticity.

The Guardian - Music

He never strove for that.

The Guardian - Film

In her own way, Siddal strove for independence.

The Guardian - Arts

In those days, investment bankers strove for decorum.

The New York Times

Instead, she says, she strove for greater personal independence.

The Guardian - Film

Meyer strove for a peaceful and better world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Strive for that.

The New York Times

I strive for balance.

The New York Times

Our ancestors strived for it.

The New York Times

Do not strive for perfection.

The New York Times

Others strive for sartorial consistency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strove for" to emphasize sustained effort and determination in achieving a goal. It's particularly effective when highlighting the challenges overcome during the process.

Common error

Avoid using "strove for" when a simpler verb like "tried" or "aimed" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious. "Strove for" is most impactful when the effort was significant or prolonged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strove for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a past action of making a significant effort to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strove for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a determined effort to achieve something. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage across various domains. While alternatives like "aimed for" or "endeavored to achieve" exist, "strove for" carries a nuance of sustained effort and challenge. It's most appropriate in contexts where emphasizing dedication is key. As indicated by its prevalence in News & Media and Encyclopedias, the phrase strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strived to obtain

Highlights the desire to get something, usually with effort.

aimed for

Focuses on the intention or goal that was set, rather than the effort expended.

endeavored to achieve

More formal and emphasizes the effort and determination involved.

sought to attain

Highlights the pursuit of a specific outcome or objective.

worked towards

Emphasizes the process and ongoing effort directed at a goal.

pursued

A simpler alternative, focusing on the act of following a course of action.

aspired to

Suggests a strong desire or ambition for something.

tried to reach

Focuses on the attempt to get to a particular point or achievement.

made an effort for

More explicit in stating the exertion of effort.

pushed for

Implies forceful action or advocacy towards a goal.

FAQs

How do I use "strove for" in a sentence?

"Strove for" indicates a strong effort to achieve something. For example, "The athlete "strove for" a personal best despite the injury".

What can I say instead of "strove for"?

You can use alternatives like "aimed for", "endeavored to achieve", or "sought to attain" depending on the context.

Is "strived for" an acceptable alternative to "strove for"?

While "strived" is a valid past tense of "strive", "strove" is more commonly used and generally preferred, especially in formal writing. Thus, ""strove for"" is the better option.

What's the difference between "strove for" and "sought after"?

"Strove for" means to have tried hard to achieve something, while "sought after" means to be desired or pursued by many people. They have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.