Principal aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Principal aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main goal or objective of a project, study, or initiative. Example: "The principal aim of this research is to explore the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mama Nadi's principal aim is to make money.

The New Yorker

That kind of conversation is perhaps this blog's principal aim.

The New York Times

The principal aim of any wealthy nation should now be to say: "Enough already".

The Guardian - Opinion

A Lib-Lab coalition does not have to be either party's principal aim.

The Guardian - Opinion

Originally, the principal aim of the bill was to increase police accountability.

The Guardian - Opinion

But its founder and CEO, Jonah Peretti, says BuzzFeed's principal aim right now is not profitability.

The Guardian

Neil, though, will be desperately disappointed not to have achieved his principal aim of securing McCormack.

The Guardian - Sport

The principal aim is tax avoidance, achieved for the most part through lawful mechanisms.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the director's principal aim, he conceded, was to have fun.

The New York Times

His principal aim in that role, he understood, was to improve US-Russia relations.

The Guardian

Spyware – malware whose principal aim is to surreptitiously collect information by "spying" on the user.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal aim", ensure it clearly reflects the single, most important objective. Avoid using it when multiple aims are equally important.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principal" (main, chief) with "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition). Using "principle aim" is incorrect; always use "principal aim" to denote the main goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal aim" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies the primary objective or goal of an action, project, or entity, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal aim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the main objective or goal. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is employed across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability. When using "principal aim", ensure clarity and precision, distinguishing it from similar-sounding words like "principle". Alternatives such as "main objective" or "primary goal" can be used for variety, but "principal aim" remains a robust and reliable choice for formal and informal communication. Consider the context to ensure that the term's formality aligns with the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main objective

Replaces "aim" with "objective", focusing on the desired outcome.

primary goal

Substitutes "aim" with "goal", emphasizing the desired achievement.

chief purpose

Replaces "aim" with "purpose" and "principal" with "chief", highlighting the primary intention.

central focus

Shifts from "aim" to "focus", emphasizing the core point of attention.

key objective

Replaces "principal" with "key", underscoring the importance of the objective.

primary target

Replaces "aim" with "target", suggesting a specific objective to be achieved.

main intention

Substitutes "aim" with "intention", focusing on the underlying purpose.

fundamental reason

Shifts the focus to the core justification or cause.

overriding concern

Emphasizes the most important worry or matter needing attention.

ultimate ambition

Replaces "aim" with "ambition", suggesting a long-term and significant goal.

FAQs

How can I use "principal aim" in a sentence?

You can use "principal aim" to describe the main objective of a project, study, or initiative. For example, "The "principal aim" of this research is to explore the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

What are some alternatives to "principal aim"?

Alternatives include "main objective", "primary goal", or "chief purpose", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "principle aim" instead of "principal aim"?

No, "principle aim" is incorrect. The correct phrase is ""principal aim"", where "principal" means main or chief. "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition.

What's the difference between "principal aim" and "secondary objective"?

"Principal aim" refers to the main or primary goal, while "secondary objective" refers to a less important or subordinate goal. The principal aim is the most important thing to achieve.