a lofty ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lofty ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or aspiration that is high-reaching or noble in nature. Example: "Her desire to eradicate poverty worldwide is truly a lofty ambition that inspires many."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It is a lofty ambition for a country that has yet to fully embrace rugby.

The New York Times - Sports

A lofty ambition, but one he pulls off with some success.

The Guardian - Books

Changing the world with a music festival seems a lofty ambition.

The New York Times

Democratising property investment sounds a lofty ambition, but there is genuine interest in this cheap entry to buy-to-let, particularly as the new pension freedoms have made it easier for people to invest their retirement savings.

Independent

Mr. Rock's attempts to disentangle himself from his persona while offering audiences a sliver of insight into his world is a lofty ambition, but "Down to Earth" falls short.

The New York Times

'When we formed,' says Nick Rhodes, 'we decided we'd be playing Madison Square Garden within two years.' For a bunch of blokes working behind the bar in a Birmingham nightclub, it was a lofty ambition.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A career as a concert soloist was a dauntingly lofty ambition, she was advised; what a young woman really needed to know was how to prepare a roast.

The New Yorker

That's a pretty lofty ambition: over the past few years we've actually been consuming less fruit and veg.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking in Kyrgyzstan in September, the actor also said he had a more lofty ambition: "To bring all people together, to live in harmony".

The Guardian

The Nets have plenty of talent at their disposal, an All-Star at every position to convey their lofty ambition of winning an N.B.A. championship.

The New York Times - Sports

Defiance isn't awful, but considering its bold narrative intentions it's disheartening to find an unexceptional game beneath the lofty ambition.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lofty ambition" to describe goals that are not only challenging but also inspire a sense of purpose and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a lofty ambition" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lofty ambition" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a goal or aspiration characterized by its high-reaching or noble nature, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science & Research

10%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lofty ambition" is a noun phrase used to describe a high-reaching, inspiring goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in news and media, with moderate usage in science, sports and other similar contexts. When writing, reserve it for formal or semi-formal contexts. Alternative expressions include "a grand design" or "an elevated aspiration". Overall, "a lofty ambition" is a valuable phrase for accentuating significant aspirations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elevated aspiration

Focuses on the moral or ethical high ground of the ambition.

a visionary objective

Suggests the ambition is forward-thinking and innovative.

a noble aim

Underscores the virtuous and honorable nature of the goal.

an ambitious plan

Highlights the strategic and detailed nature of the ambition.

a towering goal

Highlights the significant height and challenge of the objective.

an audacious goal

Focuses on the boldness and risk associated with the ambition.

a high-minded purpose

Emphasizes the intellectual and moral character of the ambition.

a far-reaching objective

Stresses the broad impact and scope of the intended outcome.

a grand design

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the ambition.

a challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and effort required to achieve the ambition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lofty ambition" to describe a goal that is high-reaching and inspiring. For example, "Her desire to eradicate poverty worldwide is truly "a lofty ambition" that inspires many."

What are some alternatives to "a lofty ambition"?

You can use alternatives like "a grand design", "an elevated aspiration", or "a noble aim" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a lofty ambition" or "high ambition"?

"A lofty ambition" emphasizes the noble and elevated nature of the goal, while "high ambition" simply indicates a strong desire for achievement. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "a lofty ambition" ever be seen negatively?

While generally positive, "a lofty ambition" can be viewed negatively if the ambition is perceived as unrealistic, impractical, or pursued at the expense of others.