In English, the past tense is used to indicate actions or states that have already occurred. If you’re looking to express the past tense of “strive,” this guide will provide you with all the information you need. We’ll cover the formal and informal ways of expressing the past tense of “strive,” along with various examples and tips to help you master this verb tense. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Strive” in Past Tense
When it comes to formal language, it’s important to employ proper grammar and choose appropriate verb forms. Here are a few ways to say “strive” in the past tense formally:
- Strived: This is the most widely accepted past tense form of “strive.” It follows regular verb conjugation rules and is commonly used in formal writing and speeches. For example: “She strived to achieve her goals despite numerous challenges.”
- Strove: Although less commonly used than “strived,” “strove” is still considered a formal past tense form of “strive.” It is often found in more traditional or literary contexts. For example: “He strove to improve his skills every day.”
Informal Ways to Say “Strive” in Past Tense
Informal language allows for more flexibility and often involves the use of colloquialisms. Here are a couple of informal ways to express the past tense of “strive”:
- Striven: While not as common in informal speech, “striven” is an acceptable past participle of “strive” and can be used conversationally. For example: “They had striven to be the best team in the league.”
- Striven for: Another informal way to express the past tense of “strive” is by combining the past participle “striven” with the preposition “for.” This emphasizes the effort put into achieving a goal. For example: “We had striven for success but fell short.”
Tips for Using the Past Tense of “Strive”
To ensure you effectively use the past tense of “strive,” keep these tips in mind:
- Conjugation: Use the appropriate past tense form based on the subject. For example, “I strived,” “She strove,” or “They have striven.”
- Context: Choose the past tense form that best suits the formality level of your writing or speech. Consider the audience and purpose when making your selection.
- Variety: Use a mix of past tense forms throughout your writing to demonstrate your linguistic versatility and avoid repetition.
- Clarity: Ensure your choice of past tense form clearly communicates the intended meaning without ambiguity.
- Consistency: Once you select a specific past tense form, maintain consistency throughout your writing unless the context or narrative requires a change.
Example:
Original: He strived for excellence and knew success is striven through hard work.
Revise: He strove for excellence and knew success was achieved through hard work.
Remember, mastering the past tense of “strive” requires practice and exposure to various texts and conversations. By incorporating these tips and examples into your learning process, you’ll become more proficient in expressing the past tense of “strive.”
Conclusion
Expressing the past tense of “strive” correctly is essential for effective communication, regardless of whether you’re speaking formally or informally. Through this guide, we’ve explored the formal and informal ways to say “strive” in the past tense. Remember to select the appropriate form based on the context and level of formality. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll confidently use the past tense of “strive” in no time. So go ahead, strive for success in your language skills!
