a general ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or overarching goal or desire that is not specific to a particular area or field. Example: "Her general ambition is to make a positive impact on society through her work in education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Many towns have long worked to expand summer tourism out of a general ambition to grow, and some places already have more visitors in summer than in winter.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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Vice

Still, some of Tabata's more grandiose comments about FFXV's intended complexity – round-the-clock NPC schedules to complement the day-night cycle, the promise of seamlessly entering and leaving cities in real time, the general ambition of how closely he wants to mimic reality in a digital space – seem like stronger ideas than Final Fantasy has had in years.

Vice

But concerns have also been raised about detailed development happening behind closed doors, now the general ambition for the Dryline has been accepted and handed over to the city to deliver – with BIG's team subcontracted to corporate engineering consultancy, AKRF.

The Guardian

They need to build on the general ambition from the autumn Tests but zone in on individual weaknesses.

BBC

The general ambition is to protect, promote and whenever possible integrate the multiple forms of knowledge (not only scientific) and the diversity of languages, concepts and models in ways that support transitions to sustainability.

European Journal of Futures Research

Author: Bruce Ravesloot Background: The evaluation team acknowledges upfront the general ambition and the complex operating environment of the program.

Unicef

Berwick [ 42] referred to a patient statement: "They give me exactly the help I need and want, exactly when and how I need and want it" (p. 558), which seemed to be the general ambition in our study.

BMC Health Services Research

It is also at odds with the more general ambition of the manuscript to extract evolutionary information about archaeal genome evolution (which they do when focusing e.g. on horizontal gene transfer and gene gain/loss).

Biology Direct

Yet the more one reads about Apple and Google the more their general ambitions and management styles blur together.

The New Yorker

However reticent he is on that score, his ambition as a general was matched with an exceedingly challenging assignment on the ground in Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clarifies whether "a general ambition" is universally shared or specific to a group or individual.

Common error

Avoid using "a general ambition" when a more specific and actionable goal can be defined. While it is useful for setting a broad direction, follow up with more concrete objectives to ensure progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general ambition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a broad, overarching goal or aspiration. As shown by Ludwig, it effectively introduces the direction of an intention or project.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a general ambition" serves to outline a broad, overarching goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and found across various fields, though its occurrence is relatively rare. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by following up with specific, actionable goals to provide direction. While the phrase is suitable for outlining broad objectives, remember that specific goals provide tangible steps toward achieving that ambition. Related phrases like "broad aspiration" and "common objective" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with varying emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad aspiration

Focuses on the aspirational aspect, emphasizing the breadth rather than the specific nature of the goal.

a widespread desire

Highlights the commonality and reach of the ambition, suggesting it is shared by many.

a universal goal

Emphasizes that the ambition is shared and applicable to everyone, indicating a very broad scope.

an overarching aim

Stresses the comprehensive and dominant nature of the ambition, positioning it as a primary objective.

a collective aspiration

Underscores the shared nature of the ambition within a group or community.

a common objective

Highlights that the ambition is a shared target, emphasizing its practicality and focus.

a prevalent longing

Suggests a strong, widespread yearning, emphasizing the emotional aspect of the ambition.

a basic intention

Focuses on the foundational and essential nature of the ambition, portraying it as a primary motivation.

a sweeping vision

Highlights the broad scope and imaginative nature of the ambition, emphasizing its transformative potential.

a far-reaching goal

Emphasizes the extensive impact and scope of the ambition, indicating its significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general ambition" to introduce a broad goal or aspiration. For instance, "Their "general ambition" is to improve community health through accessible education".

What phrases are similar to "a general ambition"?

Similar phrases include "broad aspiration", "common objective", and "universal goal", each varying slightly in emphasis.

Is it better to have "a general ambition" or specific goals?

It depends on the context. "A general ambition" provides an overall direction, while specific goals offer concrete steps to achieve it. Ideally, you'd have both, with general ambitions guiding the formation of specific, actionable goals.

How does "a general ambition" differ from "a specific goal"?

"A general ambition" is a broad, overarching aim, while a specific goal is a concrete, measurable objective. For example, "a general ambition" might be to promote sustainability, whereas a specific goal might be to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2027.