Is 'drive at' formal or informal?

It is primarily informal or conversational. In formal writing, synonyms like 'suggest', 'imply', or 'allude to' are often preferred.

Can I use it in the past tense?

Yes, but typically in the past continuous (was/were driving at) or with modal verbs (might have been driving at). Simple past ('drove at') is very rare and sounds unnatural.

What's the difference between 'drive at' and 'get at'?

They are very close synonyms. 'Get at' is more common and can sound slightly more casual or blunt. 'Drive at' can sound slightly more literary or deliberate.

Is the object of 'drive at' always a 'what' clause?

Almost always. The most common structure is a question: "What are you driving at?" In statements, it's often followed by a nominal clause (e.g., "...driving at the idea that..."). It is not followed by a simple noun like a place.

drive at

UK/draɪv æt/US/draɪv æt/

Informal / Conversational

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

To try to communicate or suggest something indirectly; to mean or intend to say.

Used to describe the underlying point or intended message someone is trying to convey, often when they are being indirect or hinting.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Almost always used in continuous/progressive forms (e.g., "What are you driving at?") or in the passive ("What is being driven at?"). Expresses a search for the hidden or implied meaning.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The phrasal verb is used identically in both varieties. No structural or grammatical differences.

Connotations

Both varieties perceive it as slightly old-fashioned or literary. It carries a connotation of mild frustration or impatience from the listener.

Frequency

Slightly more common in British English, but used and understood in American English. In AmE, alternatives like "get at" or "hinting at" may be slightly more frequent in casual speech.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

What are youI see what you'retrying tonever understood what he was

medium

constantlyvaguelyclearlyultimately

weak

speaker wasargumentsuggestion

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Subject] + be + driving at + [something (often clause)]What + be + [Subject] + driving at?

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

get atintimatemean

Neutral

suggestimplyhint atallude toinsinuate

Weak

refer topoint towardslead up to

Vocabulary

Antonyms

state directlyassert plainlydeclare explicitly

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“I can't see what you're driving at.”
“If you catch/get my drift (similar concept).”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

"In his long email, I think what he's driving at is a need for budget cuts."

Academic

"The critic's analysis is complex, but what she is ultimately driving at is a redefinition of the genre."

Everyday

"You've been talking for ten minutes. What exactly are you driving at?"

Technical

Rare. More likely in discussions about communication or intent.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

I'm not sure I follow what you're driving at.
After his preamble, I finally grasped what he was driving at.

American English

Just say it directly—what are you driving at?
The report seems to be driving at a major policy shift.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Sorry, I don't understand. What are you driving at?
Her story was long, but I think she was driving at a lesson about honesty.

The manager hinted at changes without details; we spent hours discussing what she might be driving at.
The article's conclusion was unclear, leaving readers to guess what the author was driving at.

Despite the diplomatic language, seasoned analysts quickly discerned what the ambassador's speech was driving at.
The philosopher's dense prose often obscures the radical thesis he is ultimately driving at.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine someone DRIVING a car AT a destination but taking a very long, winding road. They have a clear goal (the point they want to make) but are taking an indirect route to get there.

Conceptual Metaphor

COMMUNICATION IS A JOURNEY (The 'point' is the destination, and the speaker is 'driving' their words toward it).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Не переводить буквально как "ездить на" или "вести машину на".
Не смешивать с "drive to" (ехать куда-то).
Эквивалентные русские фразы: "к чему ты клонишь?", "что ты имеешь в виду?", "что ты хочешь сказать?"

Common Mistakes

Using it in simple present (*What do you drive at?).
Using it without 'be' (*He drives at a promotion).
Confusing it with 'drive to' (a place) or 'drive for' (a goal).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After his long explanation, she asked impatiently, 'Could you please tell me what you ?'

Multiple Choice

In which sentence is 'drive at' used correctly?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is primarily informal or conversational. In formal writing, synonyms like 'suggest', 'imply', or 'allude to' are often preferred.
: Yes, but typically in the past continuous (was/were driving at) or with modal verbs (might have been driving at). Simple past ('drove at') is very rare and sounds unnatural.
: They are very close synonyms. 'Get at' is more common and can sound slightly more casual or blunt. 'Drive at' can sound slightly more literary or deliberate.
: Almost always. The most common structure is a question: "What are you driving at?" In statements, it's often followed by a nominal clause (e.g., "...driving at the idea that..."). It is not followed by a simple noun like a place.