a lofty goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lofty goal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ambitious or high-reaching objective that someone aims to achieve. Example: "Setting a lofty goal for the year, she aimed to complete a marathon and raise funds for charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We set (what we thought was) a lofty goal of $10,000 and crossed our fingers that we could make it.

Huffington Post

And it's a lofty goal.

Stanford University

"It's a lofty goal," Lee said.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a lofty goal, but still an ambitious one.

The Economist

Not a lofty goal, but perhaps a realistic one.

The Economist

Aesthetics are far from a lofty goal, she said.

The New York Times

And the confidence you get from knowing you can achievable a lofty goal?

The New York Times

An Effective Teacher in Every Classroom: A lofty goal, but how to do it.

Stanford University

It seems like tremendous hubris for Chan and Zuckerberg to set such a lofty goal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sorenstam has a lofty goal for next year: winning all four women's majors.

The New York Times - Sports

He is the first to admit that he never started out with such a lofty goal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lofty goal" to inspire and motivate, but ensure the goal is still grounded in reality. Set smaller, achievable milestones to maintain momentum.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a lofty goal" as easily attainable. Acknowledge the challenges involved to maintain credibility and manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lofty goal" functions as a noun phrase, where "lofty" modifies the noun "goal". It describes the quality of the goal, indicating that it is ambitious, elevated, or high-reaching. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lofty goal" is a noun phrase used to describe an ambitious or high-reaching objective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. Alternatives like "an ambitious aim" or "a high aspiration" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, it's essential to ground it in reality and acknowledge the challenges involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ambitious aim

Replaces "lofty" with "ambitious" and "goal" with "aim", suggesting a strong desire for achievement.

a high aspiration

Substitutes "goal" with "aspiration", implying a strong desire or hope for something.

a challenging objective

Focuses on the difficulty of the undertaking, highlighting the effort required.

a grand ambition

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the desired outcome.

an idealistic target

Highlights the pursuit of noble principles and values.

a far-reaching objective

Implies that the objective has extensive influence or impact.

a noble pursuit

Suggests a morally good or admirable aim.

an elevated ambition

Uses "elevated" to convey the high-minded and superior nature of the ambition.

a significant undertaking

Focuses on the importance and magnitude of the task.

a visionary aim

Emphasizes the forward-thinking and innovative nature of the goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lofty goal" to describe an ambitious aim. For example, "Their plan to eradicate poverty is "a lofty goal"."

What are some alternatives to "a lofty goal"?

Alternatives include "an ambitious aim", "a high aspiration", or "a challenging objective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to set "a lofty goal" or a realistic one?

The best approach depends on the context. "A lofty goal" can inspire great effort, but realistic goals are more likely to be achieved. It's often effective to set both.

How do I make "a lofty goal" more achievable?

Break down "a lofty goal" into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the overall aim less daunting and provides a clear path to success.