to strive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to strive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort or ambition to achieve something or improve oneself. Example: "She continues to strive for excellence in her work, always seeking new challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They deserve something special to strive for.

The New Yorker

He led us to strive.

The New York Times

"It's something for us to strive for.

The New York Times - Sports

"For to strive for be happy".

The New York Times - Health

That's something for them to strive towards.

The Guardian - Sport

They will continue to strive for justice.

The Guardian

I have to strive for it.

The New York Times

"We need to strive for both".

The New York Times

It is an ideal to strive after".

The New York Times

"As if being typical were something to strive for".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Try to strive for being different without over doing it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to strive", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the specific goal or outcome being pursued. This provides context and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "to strive" when a simpler action is sufficient. "To strive" implies significant effort and determination; using it for trivial tasks can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to strive" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action. Examples from Ludwig show its use in expressing goals and aspirations, aligning with Ludwig AI's confirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to strive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying a determined effort towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. It carries a neutral to formal register, suitable for expressing earnest ambition or sustained effort. When using "to strive", ensure the intended outcome is clearly articulated to maximize the sentence's impact. Alternatives like "to endeavor" or "to aim" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to endeavor

Focuses more on earnest and determined effort.

to aim

Implies directing efforts towards a specific target or goal.

to aspire

Suggests having a strong desire or ambition for something.

to pursue

Highlights the act of following or seeking something diligently.

to seek

Emphasizes the act of searching or trying to find something.

to struggle

Implies facing difficulties or obstacles in achieving something.

to work towards

Focuses on making progress step-by-step towards a goal.

to make an effort

Highlights the exertion of energy or force to achieve something.

to try

Represents a general attempt or experiment to achieve a task.

to devote oneself

Emphasizes dedicating one's time and energy to a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to strive" is usually followed by an infinitive or a prepositional phrase indicating the goal. For example, "We must "to strive" for excellence" or "They "to strive" to improve their skills".

What are some alternatives to "to strive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to aim", "to endeavor", "to aspire", or "to pursue".

Is it more appropriate to use "to strive for" or "to strive to"?

Both are correct, but "to strive to" is usually followed by a verb, while "to strive for" is followed by a noun. For example, "to strive to achieve" versus "to strive for achievement".

What's the difference between "to strive" and "to try"?

"To try" implies making an attempt, while ""to strive"" suggests a more persistent and determined effort, often against obstacles. "To strive" conveys a greater commitment and intensity than simply "to try".