a principal aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a principal aim" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts and refers to the main or most important goal or objective of something. For example, in an academic essay, you could write: "One of the principal aims of this study was to examine the impact of social media on teenage mental health." This means that the main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of social media on the mental well-being of adolescents. In a business context, you could say: "Our company's principal aim is to increase profits by 10% in the next fiscal year." This means that the main goal of the company is to achieve a 10% growth in profits in the upcoming year. In personal development, you could say: "My principal aim in life is to travel to every continent." This means that the main goal or aspiration of the person is to visit all seven continents. In summary, "a principal aim" can be used whenever you want to emphasize the most important goal or objective of something.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

A principal aim of marine biology is to discover how ocean phenomena control the distribution of organisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is despite repeated assurances by government that enabling new storage to be constructed was a principal aim of the capacity auction.

The Guardian

For Malek, a principal aim of the project is to bring the forgotten details of the tomb to as many people as possible.

The Guardian

Spreading democracy throughout the globe was a principal aim of his foreign policy, and administration officials used the democratic peace idea to justify that policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The United States has made a principal aim of the war the capture or death of Mr. bin Laden, who is blamed for masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The New York Times

Since the United States has made a principal aim of the war the capture or death of Mr. bin Laden, his disappearance has become politicized, with regional rivals casting his whereabouts in a way most favorable to their interests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The former Conservative prime minister said it was "shameful" Labour had not rejected a deal with a party "whose principal aim is to break up the UK".

BBC

It seems inevitable that there should be a discipline whose principal aim is to know more about the divine.

SEP

"If the outcome of the general election is inconclusive, will they refuse to govern with the support of a party whose principal aim is to break up the UK".

BBC

This paper gathers the conclusions of a research whose principal aim was to inquire about the knowledge and technological skills possessed by the artisans painters of northern argentinian Patagonia during pre- and postcolumbian times.

L'Anthropologie

The small and in the end ineffectual "liberation theology" rebellion among some South American clergy was quashed by the church hierarchy, not interested in salvation for anyone in this life except for the church itself as an institution whose principal aim, like the politburo of the Chinese Communist party, is to stay in control at any cost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a principal aim" in formal contexts where a clear and direct statement of purpose is required.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principal", which means main or most important, with "principle", which refers to a fundamental belief or rule. For example, the "principal" aim of the project is different from adhering to a "principle" of sustainability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a principal aim" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the main objective or purpose of an action, project, or entity. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correctly used to specify the most important goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a principal aim" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the main goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, highlighting its utility in formal communication. While alternatives like ""a primary objective"" and ""a main goal"" exist, understanding the nuances of "principal" versus "principle" is crucial for accurate writing. Remember to use it when you want to clearly state the most important objective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary objective

Replaces 'aim' with 'objective', emphasizing a specific target.

a main goal

Substitutes 'principal' with 'main' and 'aim' with 'goal', offering a simpler alternative.

a key objective

Replaces 'principal' with 'key', highlighting importance.

a central purpose

Uses 'central' instead of 'principal' and 'purpose' instead of 'aim', focusing on the core reason.

a core intention

Replaces 'principal' with 'core' and 'aim' with 'intention', emphasizing fundamental intent.

a foremost concern

Shifts the focus to a leading concern rather than a directed aim.

a chief consideration

Highlights the most important aspect to consider.

the primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention.

the overarching objective

Highlights an objective that is all-encompassing.

the guiding principle

Focuses on the foundational rule directing action.

FAQs

How can I use "a principal aim" in a sentence?

You can use "a principal aim" to clearly state the main objective of something. For example, "A principal aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the new treatment".

What's a good alternative to "a principal aim"?

Alternatives include "a primary objective", "a main goal", or "a key objective" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a principal aim" or "the principal aim"?

Both are grammatically correct. "A principal aim" suggests it's one of possibly several important aims, while "the principal aim" emphasizes that it is the single most important aim.

What's the difference between "a principal aim" and "a primary objective"?

While similar, "a principal aim" generally refers to a broader, overarching intention, while ""a primary objective"" can refer to a more specific, measurable target within that broader aim.