to be driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be driven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being motivated or compelled to act in a certain way, often in the context of ambition or desire. Example: "She is driven by her passion for helping others, which motivates her to work tirelessly in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wanted to be driven around.

The New Yorker

I prefer to be driven.

The Guardian - Film

They've got to be driven.

The New Yorker

"It likes to be driven hard.

The New York Times - Travel

You have to be driven by something.

The Guardian

"You have to be driven," he said.

The New York Times

Do people want to be driven?

The Washington Post

And Porsche expects it to be driven hard.

The New York Times

A lot of is going to be driven by results.

The Guardian - Sport

It has to be driven by corporate strategy.

The New York Times

Now he is waiting to be driven home.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal qualities, "to be driven" suggests a strong internal motivation and ambition. Example: "Successful entrepreneurs tend to be driven individuals with a clear vision."

Common error

Avoid using "to be driven" when you intend to convey active participation or agency. Instead of "He wanted to be driven", consider "He preferred someone else to drive" to highlight the active role of another person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be driven" functions as a passive infinitive, often used to describe the state of being influenced or compelled by an external force. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be driven" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to indicate that something is motivated or influenced by a particular force or factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "to be motivated" or "to be compelled" exist, "to be driven" often emphasizes external influences. When using this phrase, ensure that the sentence structure clearly reflects the passive role of the subject and the active influence of the driving force. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively communicate the underlying motivations and causes behind various actions and outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be motivated

Focuses on internal reasons for action, rather than external forces.

to be compelled

Highlights a sense of obligation or strong urging to act.

to be guided

Emphasizes direction and leadership from an external source.

to be led

Similar to 'guided', but can imply a more active following.

to be influenced

Suggests a more subtle impact on one's actions or decisions.

to be inspired

Indicates a positive and uplifting source of motivation.

to be pushed

Implies a forceful or urgent need to take action.

to be spurred

Suggests a sudden or sharp impetus for action.

to be dictated

Emphasizes external control and lack of autonomy.

to be determined

Focuses on internal resolve, but external factors may still play a role.

FAQs

What does it mean for something "to be driven" by something?

When something is said "to be driven" by something, it means it is primarily motivated, influenced, or controlled by that factor. For example, a project driven by data is one where decisions are based on data analysis.

What can I say instead of "to be driven" to express motivation?

You can use alternatives like "to be motivated", "to be compelled", or "to be inspired" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do I use "to be driven" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the subject of the sentence is clearly acted upon or influenced by an external force or motivation. For example, "The company's success is to be driven by its innovative products."

Is it more appropriate to say "to be driven by" or "to be motivated by"?

Both phrases are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "To be driven by" suggests a strong, often external, force pushing action, while "to be motivated by" implies an internal desire or incentive.