a lofty ideal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lofty ideal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high or noble goal that is often difficult to achieve. Example: "The organization was founded on a lofty ideal of promoting peace and understanding among all nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's a lofty ideal, but in fact we negotiate with terrorists all the time.

The New York Times

"Gender equality is not just a lofty ideal, it is also crucial for agricultural development and food security," he said.

The Guardian

So purpose is not just a lofty ideal; it has practical implications for your company's financial health and competitiveness.

Harvard Business Review

Trying to combat the city's historic socio-economic east-west divide, the divide at the heart of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, is a lofty ideal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To do so we must show, not merely in great crises, but in the everyday affairs of life, the qualities of practical intelligence, of courage, of hardihood, and endurance, and above all the power of devotion to a lofty ideal, which made great the men who founded this Republic in the days of Washington, which made great the men who preserved this Republic in the days of Abraham Lincoln.

Yale University

"It's a lofty ideal I know," he says, but so far so good.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

South Carolina is full of public officials who believe that the Civil War was fought not over slavery or a way of life, but over federal trespass on a very lofty ideal of state sovereignty.

The New York Times

Neither does he seem interested in portraying Earn as a self-righteous, cash-strapped millennial, all lofty ideals and empty checking account.

Vice

She encouraged me to pursue study abroad in college, and it soon became a sort of lofty ideal that college could not be complete without.

Columbia University

"They weren't rewarded on the basis of whether or not those products and services actually produced wealth for society as a whole". Lofty ideals may not be at the fore of students' minds, of course.

Los Angeles Times

To list only a few impediments to this lofty ideal, the Government discovered that it could not determine the full extent of the breast implant scandal because no one in this "Wild West" industry has kept a record of the ruptures.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lofty ideal" when you want to describe a goal or principle that is admirable but may be difficult to achieve in practice. It suggests ambition and high-mindedness, but also a potential disconnect from reality.

Common error

Avoid using "a lofty ideal" when describing easily attainable goals. The phrase implies a significant challenge or a degree of impracticality. If the goal is readily achievable, consider using terms like "practical objective" or "achievable aim" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lofty ideal" functions as a noun phrase, where "lofty" modifies the noun "ideal". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an abstract concept or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lofty ideal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an ambitious or high-minded goal that may be difficult to achieve. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. As demonstrated by the examples, it's frequently found in news articles, academic texts, and business communications, often highlighting the aspirational yet potentially impractical nature of the ideal. While synonymous with phrases like "a noble aspiration" or "a high-minded goal", it's crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring the described goal is indeed ambitious and challenging. When describing easily attainable goals, using phrases such as "practical objective" or "achievable aim" instead is more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noble aspiration

Emphasizes the aspirational quality of the ideal, focusing on its moral excellence.

a high-minded goal

Highlights the elevated and principled nature of the objective.

a grand ambition

Focuses on the scale and scope of the ideal, suggesting a significant undertaking.

a visionary concept

Stresses the innovative and forward-thinking aspect of the ideal.

an idealistic notion

Underscores the abstract and theoretical quality of the ideal, potentially implying impracticality.

a far-reaching objective

Highlights the extensive impact and influence of the ideal.

a worthwhile endeavor

Emphasizes the value and merit of pursuing the ideal.

a challenging pursuit

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required to achieve the ideal.

an elevated aim

Highlights the superior quality and importance of the ideal's purpose.

a transcendent vision

Suggests that the ideal goes beyond ordinary limits, possibly religious or spiritual.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lofty ideal" to describe ambitious goals or principles that are admirable but challenging to achieve. For example, "The organization was founded on "a lofty ideal" of promoting world peace".

What are some alternatives to "a lofty ideal"?

Alternatives include "a noble aspiration", "a high-minded goal", or "a grand ambition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to pursue "a lofty ideal" or a practical goal?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the context and your priorities. "A lofty ideal" represents ambition and vision, while a practical goal focuses on achievable results. Sometimes, the best approach is to balance "a lofty ideal" with practical steps.

What makes "a lofty ideal" different from a simple goal?

"A lofty ideal" implies a higher level of ambition, moral purpose, or difficulty than a simple goal. It often involves significant challenges and may seem unattainable to some. "A lofty ideal" suggests a vision that goes beyond ordinary achievements.