Strived or Strove: What Is the Past Tense of Strive?

Strived or strove, which is the correct past tense of strive? Both forms are accepted, but they are not equally traditional. Strove is the traditional irregular past tense, while strived is a recognized regular past form. For the past participle, striven is the traditional form. Knowing these forms makes it easier to choose the right one in your writing.

Quick Answer:

Strove and strived are both accepted past forms of strive. Strove is the traditional irregular form, while strived uses -ed. Striven is the traditional past participle, used with have, has, or had.

Strive, Strove, Strived, and Striven

What Does “Strove” Mean?

Strove is the traditional simple past of strive. It means someone tried hard to achieve something in the past.

She strove to become a better writer.

It is often the preferred choice when you want the established irregular form of the verb.

What Does “Strived” Mean?

Strived is the regular -ed past form of strive. It has the same basic meaning as strove.

The team strived to meet its deadline.

Importantly, strived is not simply a spelling mistake. Current major dictionaries recognize it as a valid form of strive. Cambridge, for example, lists both strove and strived as past forms.

What About “Striven”?

Striven is the traditional past participle of strive. It is normally used with have, has, or had.

• They have striven to improve the system.
• She had striven for years to reach her goal.

Do not use striven as a simple past form:

She strove to succeed.
She strived to succeed.

When Should You Use Strove or Strived?

Choose strove when you want the traditional and more established form:

He strove for excellence throughout his career.

Strived is also grammatically recognized and can be used as the regular past form:

The organization strived to provide better service.

If you are unsure which one to choose in formal writing, strove is the straightforward traditional choice. However, strived should not automatically be marked incorrect.

Common Mistakes

Using “striven” as the simple past

❌ He striven to succeed.
✅ He strove to succeed.

Calling “strived” always incorrect

Modern dictionaries recognize strived as a valid form, so it is not automatically a grammar error.

Using “striven” without a helping verb

❌ They striven to improve.
✅ They have striven to improve.

Pronunciation

• Strive: /straɪv/
• Strove: /stroʊv/
• Strived: /straɪvd/
• Striven: /ˈstrɪvən/

6 Examples

1. We strive to give every customer a better experience.
2. She strove to overcome the difficulties she faced.
3. The students strived to finish the project on time.
4. He strove for excellence throughout his career.
5. They have striven to make the process easier.
6. The company has strived to improve its services.

Memory Trick

Remember the traditional pattern:

Drive → drove → driven
Strive → strove → striven

The similar sounds make strove and striven easier to remember.

Mini Quiz

1. She ___ to achieve her goal last year.
a) strive
b) strove
c) striving

2. They have ___ to improve the system.
a) strove
b) striven
c) strive

3. Which is also an accepted past form of strive?
a) strived
b) striveded
c) striven

4. Which sentence is correct?
a) He striven to succeed.
b) He strove to succeed.
c) He strive to succeed yesterday.

5. What is the present participle of strive?
a) strived
b) strove
c) striving

Answers: 1. b, 2. b, 3. a, 4. b, 5. c

FAQs

Is “strived” a correct word?

Yes. Strived is recognized as a past form of strive, although strove is the traditional irregular form.

Is “strove” the past tense of “strive”?

Yes. Strove is the traditional simple past tense of strive.

What is the past participle of “strive”?

Striven is the traditional past participle, as in “They have striven to improve.”

Which is better: “strived” or “strove”?

Both are accepted. Strove is the more traditional choice, especially when you want the established irregular form.

Conclusion

Both “strove” and “strived” can be used as the past tense of strive. Use strove for the traditional form, while strived is also a recognized regular alternative. For the traditional past participle, use striven, especially after have, has, or had.

William Strunk

William Strunk is a respected authority on English grammar, usage, and writing style, known for his influential work The Elements of Style. At EduNexxa, his focus is on clear, concise, and effective English.