Have you ever written a sentence like “She to succeed” and then stopped, unsure whether to use strove or strived? You’re not alone. This confusion is very common among students,
writers, and even native English speakers. Both words appear to be correct, both are used online, and both sound natural in conversation. So why does this question keep coming up?
People search for “strove or strived” because strive is an irregular verb but not in a clear, simple way. Some English verbs follow strict rules, while others break them.
Strive sits in the middle, which causes doubt in exams, professional writing, and everyday communication.
This article solves that confusion completely. You’ll get a quick answer, understand where both forms come from, see how British and American English treat them, and learn which one is safer for formal writing.
Strove or Strived – Quick Answer
Both strove and strived are correct past tense forms of strive.
- Strove → traditional, more formal, more common
- Strived → modern, regular form, less common
Examples:
- She strove to achieve excellence.
- He strived to improve his skills.
In professional and academic writing, strove is usually preferred.
The Origin of Strove or Strived
The verb strive comes from Old French estriver, meaning to struggle or to fight. It entered English centuries ago and developed as an irregular verb, which gave it the past tense strove.
Over time, English speakers began applying regular verb rules to it, adding -ed and forming strived. This happens with many verbs as language evolves.
That’s why today:
- Strove reflects the older, traditional form
- Strived reflects modern simplification
Both forms survived, which is why confusion exists.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference, but there is a usage preference.
| Version | Preferred Form | Example |
| British English | Strove | She strove against injustice |
| American English | Strove (preferred) | He strove for success |
| Informal US usage | Strived | She strived to be better |
In both regions, strove is more common in edited and formal writing.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience matters.
- US audience: Use strove for formal writing
- UK & Commonwealth: Strongly prefer strove
- Academic or professional writing: Always choose strove
- Casual or informal writing: Strived is acceptable
- Global audience: Strove is safer and clearer
Professional tip: If unsure, use strove.
Common Mistakes with Strove or Strived
❌ She has strove hard
✅ She has striven hard
❌ He strived yesterday and strived again (formal text)
✅ He strove yesterday and strove again
❌ Strived is incorrect English
✅ Strived is correct but less preferred
❌ Strove is only British English
✅ Strove is used in both US and UK English
Strove or Strived in Everyday Examples
- Email:
I strove to meet the deadline despite challenges. - News:
The team strove for victory throughout the season. - Social Media:
I strived to stay positive today. - Formal Writing:
The organization strove to uphold ethical standards.
Strove or Strived – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show that:
- “Strove or strived” is commonly searched by students and ESL learners
- Strove appears more often in books, academic papers, and news
- Strived appears more in blogs, social media, and casual writing
English learning regions such as the US, UK, India, and Australia show high interest in this keyword, especially during exam seasons.
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Strove vs Strived – Comparison Table
| Feature | Strove | Strived |
| Type | Irregular past tense | Regular past tense |
| Formal writing | Preferred | Less common |
| Academic use | Yes | Rare |
| Casual use | Yes | Yes |
| Grammar correctness | Correct | Correct |
FAQs: Strove or Strived
1. Is strove correct English?
Yes. It is the traditional past tense of strive.
2. Is strived wrong?
No. It is grammatically correct but less formal.
3. Which is better in exams?
Use strove.
4. What is the past participle of strive?
Striven.
5. Do Americans use strived?
Yes, but strove is still preferred in formal contexts.
6. Can I mix strove and strived in one text?
Avoid mixing. Choose one form for consistency.
7. Which sounds more professional?
Strove.
Conclusion
The debate between strove or strived exists because English allows both forms. Strove is the older, irregular past tense, while strived follows modern regular verb rules. Although both are grammatically correct, they are not equal in tone.
In academic, professional, and formal writing, strove is clearly the better choice. It is more widely accepted, more polished, and more trusted by editors and readers. Strived, while correct, fits better in casual speech, informal writing, and personal expression.
If your goal is clarity, correctness, and professionalism, choose strove. Understanding this small difference can improve your writing and help you sound more confident and precise in English. When in doubt, remember: formal equals strove.
David Szalay a British writer who focuses on modern life and relationships. His stories are simple but deep.
