urge to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "urge to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's strong desire or motivation to achieve success in a particular area or endeavor. Example: "Her urge to succeed drove her to work late into the night, perfecting her presentation for the big meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He led a disciplined, orderly life, imposed partly by family poverty and partly by an urge to succeed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'Soulfulness' is the word one friend uses; a seriousness; a 'driven' urge to succeed; and an 'inner toughness'.

The Guardian

Because his case is so flimsy, Mr Brown's motives seem in part to be political: a desire to out-tough the Tories; an Oedipal urge to succeed where Tony Blair, who wanted 90 days, failed.

The Economist

Whitlow's urge to succeed may be traced back to his parents and their philosophy on having a good work ethic.

Science Magazine

The New Saints boss Craig Harrison has put his urge to succeed down to the injury that ended his playing career.

BBC

It's easy to determine that her urge to succeed stems from needing to work harder than her male counterparts to prove herself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Emperor Gengshi's brother Liu Xiu, known posthumously as Emperor Guangwu (r. 25 57 AD), after distinguishing himself at the Battle of Kunyang in 23 AD, was urged to succeed Gengshi as emperor.

Wikipedia

He reviewed his report card, showed interest in his athletic ability, like being able to do back flips, and constantly urged him to succeed in school and life.

The New York Times

This is due to the fact that Laurence Doe, a powerful defender for the Nzalang Nacional, was born in Liberia, and has family and friends there urging him to succeed.

BBC

But the fightback he urges is unlikely to succeed unless we face squarely up to the reasons for this growing horror.

The Guardian

Resist the urge to follow".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "urge to succeed" to illustrate a strong internal motivation. It adds depth to the description and highlights their ambition.

Common error

While "urge to succeed" is valid, overuse can make writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "drive", "ambition", or "determination" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urge to succeed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "urge" is the noun and "to succeed" acts as an infinitive phrase modifying the noun. It expresses a strong desire or impetus toward achieving a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science & Research

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urge to succeed" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a strong internal drive or motivation to achieve goals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Encyclopedias and Science & Research, indicating a broad applicability. While the phrase is valid, remember to use synonyms such as "desire to succeed" or "drive to succeed" to avoid repetition. When used thoughtfully, "urge to succeed" can effectively convey ambition and determination in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive to succeed

Emphasizes the internal motivation and force pushing someone towards success.

desire to succeed

Highlights the strong feeling of wanting to achieve success.

ambition to succeed

Focuses on the aspirational aspect of wanting to achieve success.

motivation to succeed

Highlights the internal and external factors that propel someone to achieve success.

determination to succeed

Emphasizes the firmness and resolve in pursuing success.

aspiration to succeed

Focuses on the hope and ambition for achieving success.

yearning to succeed

Suggests a deep longing and intense desire for success.

passion for success

Highlights the intense enthusiasm and dedication towards achieving success.

inner drive for success

Emphasizes the internal and intrinsic nature of the motivation for success.

compulsion to succeed

Implies an irresistible and almost obsessive need to achieve success.

FAQs

How can I use "urge to succeed" in a sentence?

You can use "urge to succeed" to describe someone's strong desire or motivation to achieve their goals. For example, "Her urge to succeed drove her to work tirelessly."

What are some alternatives to "urge to succeed"?

Alternatives include "desire to succeed", "drive to succeed", or "ambition to succeed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "urge for success" or "urge to succeed"?

"Urge to succeed" is generally more common and natural-sounding when describing someone's internal motivation. "Urge for success" is grammatically acceptable, but sounds less idiomatic.

What does it mean when someone has an "urge to succeed"?

It signifies that they possess a strong internal drive and motivation to achieve their goals and excel in their endeavors. It often indicates a proactive and ambitious nature.