what drives me

USAGE SUMMARY

"what drives me" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe motivation or ambition, such as in the following example: "My passion for helping others is what drives me to volunteer at the local shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is what drives me.

The Washington Post

Certainly, it's what drives me.

Harvard Business Review

"What drives me is the passion.

The New York Times - Food

It is what drives me.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, "that's not what drives me.

The Economist

What drives me to keep writing?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"For me, that's what drives me personally".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what drives me," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm often asked what drives me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's what drives me every single day.

The Guardian - Sport

"I love songwriting, but producing is what drives me".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what drives me", follow it with a clear and specific explanation of the motivating factor. For example, "What drives me is the desire to make a positive impact on my community."

Common error

Avoid using "what drives me" without providing concrete examples or details. Saying "What drives me is success" lacks depth; instead, specify what aspects of success are motivating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what drives me" functions as a subject complement, identifying the reason or motivation behind an individual's actions or goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound phrase for expressing personal motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what drives me" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to articulate personal motivations and goals. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it's frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and academic settings. When using this phrase, be specific in detailing your motivations to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "what motivates me" or "what inspires me" offer similar ways to express your inner drive, and selecting the most appropriate alternative helps to deliver your intended meaning with the highest accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what motivates me

Replaces "drives" with a synonym, focusing on the internal stimuli.

what inspires me

Shifts the focus to sources of inspiration, implying a more creative influence.

what fuels my passion

Emphasizes the energetic and emotional aspect of motivation.

what gives me purpose

Highlights the sense of direction and meaning derived from one's motivations.

what impels me

Uses a more formal and forceful verb to describe the driving force.

the reason for my ambition

Explains the cause or purpose behind one's goals and aspirations.

my source of motivation

Identifies where the energy and desire to achieve originate.

the engine that powers me

Uses a metaphorical image of an engine to describe the internal driving force.

the key to my enthusiasm

Focuses on the element that unlocks one's excitement and eagerness.

my reason for being

Connects motivation to a deeper sense of existence and identity.

FAQs

How can I use "what drives me" in a sentence?

You can use "what drives me" to introduce your core motivations or passions. For example, "What drives me is the opportunity to learn and grow." or "What drives me is contributing to innovative projects."

What can I say instead of "what drives me"?

You can use alternatives like "what motivates me", "what inspires me", or "my source of motivation" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "what drives me" in a formal setting?

Yes, "what drives me" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, as it is a common and widely understood expression. However, in more formal contexts, ensure your explanation of what drives you is clear, concise, and professional.

What's the difference between "what drives me" and "what motivates me"?

While similar, "what drives me" often implies a deeper, more intrinsic motivation, whereas "what motivates me" can refer to external factors or rewards. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize internal passion or external incentives.