To aim for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To aim for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a goal or objective that one is striving to achieve. Example: "Our team is working hard to aim for a successful product launch by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To aim for that elusive sattvic balance, of course.

Huffington Post

Try to aim for a 3-to-5 range.

WikiHow

The silhouette to aim for?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's something to aim for".

The Guardian - Sport

You always need to aim for perfection".

The Guardian - Sport

That's a beautiful thing to aim for.

The Guardian - Tech

That's what I'm trying to aim for.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a smart target to aim for.

The New Yorker

It gives others something to aim for.

The Guardian - Opinion

Smarter, surely, to aim for another kid-friendly hit.

The New York Times - Arts

"He showed me a benchmark to aim for.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To aim for" when you want to express a specific target or objective that someone is trying to achieve. For greater impact, follow it with a concrete and measurable outcome. Example: "To aim for a promotion" instead of "To aim for success".

Common error

Avoid using "To aim for" with overly broad or abstract goals. Instead of saying, "We need to aim for improvement", specify what kind of improvement you're targeting, such as "We need to aim for a 10% increase in efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To aim for" functions as an infinitive phrase that indicates a purpose or goal. It specifies what someone or something is trying to achieve. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "To aim for" is a grammatically correct and versatile infinitive phrase used to express intentions and objectives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, and maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using this phrase, ensure it is followed by a specific and measurable outcome to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "to strive for" or "to target" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Its frequent use across various authoritative sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in expressing goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To strive for

This alternative suggests a more persistent and effortful pursuit of a goal.

To target

This option implies a more precise and specific objective.

To aspire to

Suggests a higher level of ambition or a more idealistic goal.

To pursue

Implies active efforts to achieve a specific objective or goal.

To work towards

Emphasizes the process and steps taken to reach a goal.

To endeavor to

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing an attempt to achieve something.

To seek

Suggests looking for or trying to find a specific outcome or result.

To have as a goal

Directly states the intention to achieve a particular objective.

To have in mind

Indicates a specific intention or objective that guides actions.

To set sights on

Implies focusing attention and efforts on a particular target or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "To aim for" in a sentence?

You can use "To aim for" to express a specific goal or objective. For example, "Our team needs "to aim for" a higher customer satisfaction rating" or "We "to aim for" completing the project by the end of the quarter".

What are some alternatives to "To aim for"?

Some alternatives to "To aim for" include "to strive for", "to target", or "to aspire to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "aim at" instead of "aim for"?

While "aim at" is grammatically correct, it often implies directing something (like a weapon) toward a target. "Aim for" is generally preferred when discussing goals or objectives.

What's the difference between "To aim for" and "To intend to"?

"To aim for" implies a goal that one is actively working towards, while "To intend to" simply expresses a plan or intention. For example, "I "to aim for" a promotion" suggests active efforts, whereas "I "to intend to" apply for a promotion" only states the intention.