to strive for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to strive for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are talking about attempting to achieve something. For example: "He had always wanted to be a successful businessman, and he was willing to work hard to strive for his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They deserve something special to strive for.

The New Yorker

"It's something for us to strive for.

The New York Times - Sports

"For to strive for be happy".

The New York Times - Health

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

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

The New Yorker

So Stewart seems to strive for a synthesis.

The New Yorker

The experiment's limitations prompted him to strive for greater realism.

The New Yorker

Your achievements will motivate us to strive for the best.

The New York Times

Or maybe there's no Big Ang to strive for.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to strive for", ensure the goal is clearly defined. This provides context and strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "to strive for" with overly broad or undefined goals. Instead, specify concrete objectives for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to strive for" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely employed. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from achieving personal goals to pursuing justice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to strive for" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate an effort or ambition toward achieving a specific objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it often. To enhance clarity, define your goals and consider alternatives like "to aim for" or "to aspire to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to aim for

Focuses more on the goal itself rather than the effort.

to aspire to

Implies a higher level of ambition and desire.

to work towards

Highlights the process and effort involved.

to endeavor to

Suggests a more formal and determined effort.

to pursue

Emphasizes the act of following or chasing a goal.

to seek

Implies a search or quest for something.

to push for

Suggests active advocacy or campaigning.

to struggle for

Highlights the difficulty and challenges involved.

to dedicate oneself to

Indicates a strong commitment and focus.

to commit to

Emphasizes dedication and obligation.

FAQs

How to use "to strive for" in a sentence?

You can use "to strive for" to express an effort toward achieving a goal. For example, "They will continue "to strive for" justice", or "Everyone deserves an opportunity "to strive for" their goals".

What can I say instead of "to strive for"?

You can use alternatives like "to aim for", "to aspire to", or "to work towards" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to strive for" or "to strive after"?

"To strive for" is generally more common and accepted. "To strive after" is also correct, but it is less frequently used and can sound more formal or archaic.

What's the difference between "to strive for" and "to achieve"?

"To strive for" indicates the effort and attempt to reach a goal, while "to achieve" signifies the successful attainment of that goal.