a simple aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a straightforward or uncomplicated goal or objective. Example: "Our project has a simple aim: to improve community engagement through local events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He founded the academy in 1996 with a simple aim.

The Guardian - Travel

BusinessWeek was founded in 1929 with a simple aim: to summarize the week's business news.

The New York Times

Kickstarter began in the US in 2009 with a simple aim.

The Guardian - Tech

Union leaders say Proposal 2 has a simple aim: to protect collective bargaining against further assault.

The New York Times

An initiative of the Amy Gillett Foundation, the campaign has a simple aim – stopping drivers from hitting cyclists.

The Guardian

The coverage had a simple aim: to provide proof of the age-old suspicion that the poor are breeding too much – and at taxpayers' expense, too.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the makers of "Brotherhood and Courage" have a simpler aim.

The Economist

So does this mean that for all her reputation as a difficult and tricky film-maker, she also has a simpler aim: to entertain?

The Guardian - Film

A simpler aim — to be a professional photographer, perhaps for travel promotions — is at play in four steeply angled, almost decapitating shots of a man and a woman relaxing on a chair and a folding chaise longue on seamless white photographer's paper.

The New York Times - Arts

Using a simple design, we aimed to assess negative ethnic bias in psychotropic medication prescribing by comparing discrepancies in use between native and non-native psychiatric inpatients.

BMC Psychiatry

The Happy British Muslims video was put together by a group of young British Muslims called the Honesty Policy, with a very simple aim: to spread positivity and a bit of empowerment along the way.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the objective of a project or initiative, using "a simple aim" can immediately convey clarity and ease of understanding for your audience. It suggests that the objective is not complex or multifaceted, making it more accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple aim" if the goal is actually complex or requires nuanced understanding. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple aim" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It describes a goal or objective that is straightforward and uncomplicated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple aim" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a straightforward objective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing, although it might be less formal than alternatives in academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure the described aim truly is uncomplicated to avoid misleading your audience. Alternative phrases like "a clear objective" or "a basic goal" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic goal

Replaces "aim" with the more common term "goal" and simplifies the adjective.

a clear objective

Substitutes "aim" with "objective" and "simple" with "clear" to highlight the lack of ambiguity.

an uncomplicated purpose

Uses "purpose" instead of "aim" and "uncomplicated" instead of "simple", focusing on the straightforward nature.

a direct intention

Replaces "aim" with "intention" and "simple" with "direct", emphasizing straightforwardness.

a modest ambition

Switches "aim" to "ambition" and "simple" to "modest", suggesting a limited scope.

a fundamental reason

Replaces "aim" with "reason" and "simple" with "fundamental", highlighting the foundational aspect.

a primary target

Uses "target" instead of "aim" and "primary" instead of "simple", focusing on the main objective.

a plain intent

Substitutes "aim" with "intent" and "simple" with "plain", suggesting a lack of complexity.

a singular focus

Replaces "aim" with "focus" and "simple" with "singular", emphasizing a concentrated objective.

a streamlined plan

Switches "aim" to "plan" and "simple" to "streamlined", suggesting efficiency and directness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a simple aim" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "a straightforward objective", "an uncomplicated purpose", or "a clear intention".

What are some synonyms for "simple" when describing an aim?

Alternatives to "simple" include "basic", "clear", "direct", "modest", and "plain", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a simple aim" in academic writing?

While "a simple aim" is grammatically correct, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider alternatives like "a primary goal" or "a fundamental objective" for added clarity.

What's the difference between "a simple aim" and "a complex aim"?

"A simple aim" denotes a straightforward, easily understood goal, while "a complex aim" implies a multifaceted objective requiring detailed planning and execution.