Strive and endeavor are two words that are often used interchangeably, but are they really the same? In this article, we’ll explore the subtle differences between these two words and help you understand when to use each one.
Let’s define the two words. Strive means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. Endeavor, on the other hand, means to try hard to do or achieve something. While the two words may seem similar, there is a slight difference in connotation. Strive implies a more intense effort, while endeavor is a bit more general.
So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you’re talking about putting in a lot of effort to achieve a specific goal, strive might be the better choice. If you’re talking about making an effort in a more general sense, endeavor might be more appropriate. Of course, there are situations where both words could work.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll take a closer look at the definitions of strive and endeavor, explore some examples of how they’re used, and provide some tips for using them effectively in your writing.
Define Strive
Strive is a verb that means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. It is a term that is often associated with hard work, determination, and perseverance. When someone is striving for something, they are putting in a lot of effort and energy to reach their goal.
For example, an athlete may strive to win a championship, a student may strive to get straight A’s, or a business owner may strive to increase their profits. Striving is often seen as a positive trait, as it demonstrates a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.
Define Endeavor
Endeavor is also a verb that means to make an effort to achieve something. However, the term is often associated with a more formal or professional setting. Endeavor implies a more deliberate and purposeful effort, often with a specific goal in mind.
For example, a company may endeavor to improve their customer service, a researcher may endeavor to find a cure for a disease, or a musician may endeavor to create a new style of music. Endeavoring often involves a strategic approach and a willingness to take risks in order to achieve success.
| Strive | Endeavor |
|---|---|
| Associated with hard work, determination, and perseverance | Associated with a more deliberate and purposeful effort |
| Often used in personal or informal settings | Often used in professional or formal settings |
| Implies a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed | Implies a strategic approach and a willingness to take risks |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often confused are “strive” and “endeavor.” While they may seem interchangeable, they do have slight differences in meaning. Here’s how to use them correctly in a sentence:
How To Use “Strive” In A Sentence
“Strive” is a verb that means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. It implies a sense of struggle or difficulty. Here are some examples of how to use “strive” in a sentence:
- She will strive to reach her goals no matter what obstacles come her way.
- He has always strived for excellence in everything he does.
- They are striving to improve their company’s environmental impact.
As you can see, “strive” is often used in the context of personal or professional goals, where the person is actively working towards something.
How To Use “Endeavor” In A Sentence
“Endeavor” is also a verb, but it means to make an effort to achieve something, without implying the same level of difficulty or struggle as “strive.” Here are some examples of how to use “endeavor” in a sentence:
- They will endeavor to finish the project on time.
- She endeavored to learn a new language before her trip abroad.
- He always endeavors to be honest and fair in his dealings.
As you can see, “endeavor” is often used in the context of general efforts or attempts to achieve something, without necessarily implying the same level of intensity as “strive.”
By understanding the subtle differences between these two words, you can use them more effectively in your writing and convey your intended meaning with greater accuracy.
More Examples Of Strive & Endeavor Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the nuances of the words “strive” and “endeavor,” it’s helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Strive In A Sentence
- He always strives to be the best in everything he does.
- She is constantly striving to improve her skills.
- They are striving to create a more sustainable future.
- The company strives to provide the highest quality products.
- He strives for excellence in all aspects of his life.
- She is striving to make a difference in the world.
- They are striving to achieve their goals despite the obstacles.
- The team is striving to win the championship this year.
- He strives to be a good role model for his children.
- She is striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Examples Of Using Endeavor In A Sentence
- The company is endeavoring to reduce its carbon footprint.
- She endeavored to learn a new language.
- They are endeavoring to create a more inclusive workplace.
- He endeavored to repair the broken machine.
- The team is endeavoring to raise funds for charity.
- She endeavored to climb the highest mountain in the world.
- They are endeavoring to find a cure for cancer.
- He endeavored to write a novel in a month.
- The company is endeavoring to expand its market share.
- She endeavored to be more patient with her coworkers.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of these two words and how they can be used to describe a variety of actions, from personal improvement to global impact.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using strive and endeavor, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between the two words, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using Strive And Endeavor As Synonyms
Strive and endeavor are not synonyms, and they should not be used interchangeably. Strive means to make a great effort to achieve something, while endeavor means to try hard to do or achieve something. The key difference is that strive implies a more intense effort or struggle, while endeavor implies a more general attempt.
For example:
- Incorrect: I will endeavor to lose weight by going to the gym every day.
- Correct: I will strive to lose weight by going to the gym every day.
Mistake #2: Using Strive When Endeavor Is More Appropriate
While strive implies a more intense effort, it is not always the best word to use. Sometimes, endeavor is more appropriate. For example, when talking about a general attempt or effort, endeavor is the better choice.
For example:
- Incorrect: We must strive to improve our customer service.
- Correct: We must endeavor to improve our customer service.
Mistake #3: Using Endeavor When Strive Is More Appropriate
On the other hand, endeavor is not always the best word to use. When talking about a specific, intense effort or struggle, strive is the better choice.
For example:
- Incorrect: We must endeavor to overcome the challenges ahead.
- Correct: We must strive to overcome the challenges ahead.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between strive and endeavor. Here are some tips:
- Always consider the context in which the words are being used.
- Think about the level of intensity or effort required for the task at hand.
- Consider using synonyms such as attempt or try if you are unsure which word to use.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “strive” and “endeavor”, context plays a crucial role. Both words have similar meanings, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding the context in which they are used can help you choose the right word for your sentence.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “strive” and “endeavor” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | Our company will strive/endeavor to provide the best customer service possible. | Endeavor |
| Informal Conversations | I will strive/endeavor to make it to the party on time. | Strive |
| Academic Writing | The researchers will strive/endeavor to obtain accurate data for their study. | Endeavor |
In formal writing, such as business emails and academic papers, “endeavor” is the more appropriate choice. It conveys a sense of professionalism and seriousness. In informal conversations, “strive” is more commonly used and can sound more natural. However, it’s important to note that both words can be used interchangeably in some situations.
Overall, choosing between “strive” and “endeavor” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can make the right choice and convey your message effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While strive and endeavor are generally used interchangeably, there are some exceptions where one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples:
1. Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, it is generally better to use “endeavor” instead of “strive”. This is because “endeavor” has a more formal and professional connotation, while “strive” may be seen as more casual or informal.
For example:
- “The company will endeavor to meet its financial targets for the quarter.”
- “The researchers endeavored to find a cure for the disease.”
2. Historical Context
In some historical contexts, “strive” may be more appropriate than “endeavor”. This is because “strive” has a more archaic or old-fashioned feel to it, which can be useful when writing about historical events or figures.
For example:
- “The soldiers strove valiantly for their country.”
- “She strove to break free from the constraints of her time.”
3. Regional Differences
There may also be regional differences in how “strive” and “endeavor” are used. In some parts of the world, one word may be more common than the other, or they may have different connotations or meanings.
For example:
| Region | Common Usage |
|---|---|
| United States | Both “strive” and “endeavor” are commonly used |
| United Kingdom | “Endeavor” is more common than “strive” |
| Australia | “Strive” is more common than “endeavor” |
Overall, while “strive” and “endeavor” are often used interchangeably, there are some exceptions where one word may be more appropriate than the other. By understanding these exceptions, you can use each word more effectively in your writing and communication.
Practice Exercises
Learning how to use strive and endeavor correctly can be challenging, but practice exercises can help improve your understanding. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- She always __________ to be the best in her class.
- He will __________ to finish the project by the end of the week.
- They __________ to make the event a success.
- She __________ to be more organized in her daily routine.
Answer Key:
- strives
- endeavor
- strived
- endeavors
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the following sentences:
- She always __________ to be the best in her class.
- a) strives
- b) endeavors
- c) both a and b
- d) neither a nor b
- a) strive
- b) endeavor
- c) both a and b
- d) neither a nor b
- a) strive
- b) endeavor
- c) both a and b
- d) neither a nor b
- a) strives
- b) endeavors
- c) both a and b
- d) neither a nor b
Answer Key:
- c
- a
- a
- b
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of strive and endeavor in sentences. Keep in mind that strive is often used for personal goals or ambitions, while endeavor is often used for more formal or professional goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between strive and endeavor may seem subtle, but it is important to understand the nuances of each word to use them appropriately in your writing. Strive implies a more personal and active effort towards a goal, while endeavor suggests a more formal or organized attempt to achieve something.
When choosing between strive and endeavor, consider the context and tone of your writing. Strive may be more appropriate for personal narratives or motivational pieces, while endeavor may be more fitting for academic or professional writing.
Key Takeaways:
- Strive and endeavor are both verbs that imply effort towards a goal.
- Strive suggests a more personal and active effort, while endeavor implies a more formal or organized attempt.
- Choosing between strive and endeavor depends on the context and tone of your writing.
Remember that language use and grammar are important aspects of effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve your writing skills, you can become a more confident and effective communicator in all areas of your life.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.