Strived vs. Strove
“Strove” and “strived” are both documented past-tense forms of “strive.” Cambridge also records “striven” and “strived” as past participles, so the choice depends partly on tense and the verb pattern you are using.
Both “strove” and “strived” can be past tense. For the past participle, use “striven” or “strived,” not normally “strove.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Grammar need | Available form | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | strove or strived | Both are documented past forms. |
| past participle after have/has/had | striven or strived | Use a documented participle. |
| past participle | strove | Do not normally use “strove” in the participle slot. |
Quick tests
Past-versus-participle test
Is the form after have, has, or had?
If yes: Use “striven” or “strived.”
If no: For a simple past, “strove” and “strived” are both documented.
Caveat: Variant preference can differ by editor or speaker, but the grammatical distinction still matters: “strove” is not normally the past participle.
Examples
She strove to finish the draft before noon.
“Strove” is a documented simple-past form.
She strived to finish the draft before noon.
“Strived” is also a documented simple-past form.
They have striven to keep the instructions clear.
“Striven” is a documented past participle after “have.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Both “strove” and “strived” are documented past-tense forms of “strive.” “Strove” belongs to the traditional irregular paradigm, while “strived” is also accepted.
Participle Boundary
For the past participle, use “striven” or “strived” in documented usage; “strove” is the simple-past form, not the normal past participle.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Strive — Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence for strove/strived as past forms and striven/strived as past participles of “strive.”