to thrive

USAGE SUMMARY

"to thrive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a person or thing is experiencing growth and success. Example: Despite the difficult circumstances, the company was able to continue to thrive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hagiography continued to thrive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And to thrive".

The New Yorker

She deserved to thrive.

The New York Times

Many fail to thrive.

The Economist

Its government continues to thrive.

The New Yorker

But rats continue to thrive.

The New York Times - Arts

"We want them to thrive".

The New York Times

Wael had begun to thrive.

The New Yorker

Some continue to thrive.

The Guardian

Gracie began to thrive.

Harvard University

It continues to thrive on immigration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "to thrive" with adverbs to add precision. For instance, "to thrive despite adversity" or "to thrive exceptionally".

Common error

Avoid using "to thrive" when simply meaning to survive or exist. "To thrive" implies more than basic survival; it suggests flourishing and prospering. Use "to survive" if the focus is solely on overcoming challenges to remain in existence.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to thrive" primarily functions as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes a state of growth, success, or vigorous development. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use to depict flourishing businesses, healthy ecosystems, and personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to thrive" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that describes a state of flourishing, growing, and prospering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from describing the success of a business to the growth of a plant. While it shares semantic space with words like "to flourish" and "to prosper", it's important to reserve its use for situations where something is not just surviving, but actively excelling. Its frequent appearance in news, academic, and scientific sources indicates its widespread acceptance and applicability in diverse writing styles. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "to thrive" to enrich your writing and convey a sense of positive growth and development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to flourish

Synonymous replacement, focusing on vigorous growth and development.

to prosper

Highlights economic success and well-being.

to succeed

Emphasizes achievement of goals and positive outcomes.

to flourish and prosper

Combines two similar verbs for emphasis on both growth and economic well-being.

to do well

A more general and less formal way to express success.

to reach one's full potential

Focuses on personal growth and maximizing abilities.

to be successful

Expresses the state of having achieved success.

to bloom

Emphasizes a period of significant growth and beauty.

to gain ground

Highlights progress and advancement, often in a competitive context.

to come into its own

Implies a process of maturation and achieving full potential.

FAQs

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

Use "to thrive" to describe a situation where something is growing, developing, and becoming successful. For example, "Plants need sunlight and water "to thrive"".

What's the difference between "to survive" and "to thrive"?

"To survive" means to continue to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions. "To thrive", on the other hand, means to prosper, flourish, or grow vigorously. Thriving implies more than just surviving; it suggests excelling and flourishing. The goal is not just "to survive", but "to thrive".

What are some synonyms for "to thrive"?

Alternatives "to flourish", "to prosper", and "to succeed" can often be used instead of "to thrive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to thrive" in formal writing?

Yes, "to thrive" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a versatile verb that can be used in academic, business, and professional contexts to describe growth and success. The phrase "to thrive" is suitable in formal writing contexts like business reports and academic papers.