a considerable ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a goal or aspiration that is significant in size or importance. Example: "Her decision to start a non-profit organization to help underprivileged children reflects a considerable ambition to make a difference in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Fox, who turned 58 on the day that Mexicans elected him the first president in the nation's modern history from an opposition party, is nothing if not a man of considerable ambition and energy.

The New York Times

Of course, only a band with considerable ambition would ever find itself out on the road that way.

The New York Times - Magazine

Judging by his Web site, which has impressive pictures of installations involving electric lights, found objects, fabric and other materials, he is a sculptor of considerable ambition and ingenuity.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather than joining another big media company, Mr. Chernin is in the early stages of assembling his own enterprise, a company of considerable ambition that will meld original content, like feature films and television series, with cutting-edge technologies that use the Web and other digital ways of delivering entertainment.

The New York Times

Richard Hamilton was an artist whose considerable ambition was to "get all of living" into his work.

The Guardian - Arts

Wrestling J.K. Rowling's 500-page book into a three-hour miniseries flummoxes "The Casual Vacancy," a project made with considerable ambition and lyricism, yet which feels scattered and unfocused.

Los Angeles Times

But with a shift in the region's economy from large, home-grown industries like aerospace to multimedia conglomerates, with a wave of mergers and acquisitions that have left downtown Los Angeles lacking a headquarters of a single Fortune 500 company, and with his own considerable ambition, Mr. Broad has emerged as a virtual committee of one, or, as he puts it, a venture philanthropist.

The New York Times

Written for "George White's Scandals of 1922," a popular revue, and originally performed by white singers in blackface (a convention happily dispensed with here), "Blue Monday" packs considerable ambition into its roughly half-hour span.

The New York Times - Arts

In an odd way the production's rough edges reveal Mr. Lonergan's considerable ambition.

The New York Times

His courtly demeanor disguises considerable ambition and persistence.

The New Yorker

It may also have reflected his own considerable ambition, disguised by his early drifting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a considerable ambition" to describe aspirations that require significant effort and planning. This phrase effectively conveys the scale and importance of the goal.

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable ambition" for trivial goals. This phrase is best reserved for aspirations that are genuinely significant and impactful, ensuring it aligns with the actual scale of the undertaking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable ambition" functions as a noun phrase, where "considerable" is an adjective modifying the noun "ambition". Given there are no direct matches, Ludwig suggests that its grammatical function is correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a considerable ambition" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a goal or aspiration of significant scope and importance. While it may not be a very frequent expression based on Ludwig's analysis, it is deemed correct and usable in various contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "considerable" modifying "ambition". When using this phrase, it's important to reserve it for truly impactful and challenging goals, avoiding its application to trivial pursuits. Ludwig considers the phrase correct. Alternative expressions include "a substantial aspiration" and "a significant objective", offering nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial aspiration

Replaces "ambition" with "aspiration" and "considerable" with "substantial", maintaining the meaning of a significant goal.

a significant objective

Substitutes "ambition" with "objective" and "considerable" with "significant", emphasizing a notable aim or target.

a noteworthy goal

Uses "goal" instead of "ambition" and "noteworthy" for "considerable", highlighting a remarkable target.

a grand design

Replaces the phrase with "grand design", implying a large-scale and ambitious plan.

an impressive aim

Swaps "ambition" with "aim" and "considerable" with "impressive", focusing on an admirable objective.

a towering aspiration

Emphasizes the high level of the aspiration by using "towering" instead of "considerable".

a far-reaching objective

Highlights the scope of the objective by using "far-reaching" instead of "considerable".

a major undertaking

Replaces the phrase with "major undertaking", suggesting a large and ambitious project.

a profound yearning

Substitutes with "profound yearning", focusing on a deep and intense desire.

a driving purpose

Highlights the motivational aspect using "driving purpose" instead of "ambition".

FAQs

How can I use "a considerable ambition" in a sentence?

You can use "a considerable ambition" to describe someone's significant goals or aspirations. For example: "Her decision to start a non-profit organization reflects "a considerable ambition" to make a difference in the community."

What are some alternatives to "a considerable ambition"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a substantial aspiration", "a significant objective", or "a noteworthy goal", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a considerable ambition" or "a significant ambition"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""a considerable ambition"" may imply a larger scale or scope than "a significant ambition". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a considerable ambition"?

It's best to avoid using ""a considerable ambition"" when describing trivial or easily achievable goals. This phrase is most effective when applied to aspirations that require substantial effort and resources.