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
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.”