a single aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single aim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one specific goal or objective that someone or a group is trying to achieve. Example: "The organization was founded with a single aim: to eradicate poverty in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Too many campaigns, it seems, try to focus on a single aim.

The Guardian

Our ads have a single aim: to shut down this dangerous plant, which lies just 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Times

His fiction, in Coetzee's view, has a single aim: "remembering what the west would like to forget".

The Guardian - Books

But from that accident, he had a single aim in his life, he said: "I want to give.

The New York Times

"Max Patient Advocacy Work," it said, would be directed at "payers," "physicians," "patients," "media," "legal pressure" and "community involvement," all with a single aim: "OK Reimbursement".

The New York Times

Sure, it is hard enough to describe things in words, but this jargon is apparently designed with a single aim: incomprehensibility.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Grande's music career began during her time on Victorious, when she signed with Republic Records and released Put Your Hearts Up, a single aimed at young fans of the show.

The Guardian - Music

The X Factor winner will release a single aimed at the Christmas number one spot.Cowell added that he was not worried by competition from a group of artists, Cage Against the Machine, who are launching a version of John Cage's 4'33" – a recording of several minutes of complete silence – in a bid for Christmas number one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it's inescapable that the court gave the anti-abortion forces a single target to aim at," she said.

The New York Times

Even when you're throwing at large groups early in the game, if you do not aim for a single target then you will never get any better!

WikiHow

A 1.3 Tbps DDoS attack – essentially a massive torrent of data aimed at a single target – nearly took down network provider Akamai on March 1.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single aim", ensure that the aim is clearly defined and easily understood by your audience. Clarity prevents misinterpretations and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a single aim" to describe multifaceted objectives. If your goal has several components, it's better to articulate those components directly rather than trying to fit them under one umbrella, potentially diluting the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single aim" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the concept of having one specific goal. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing the objective of campaigns or organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single aim" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing a primary objective. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. It effectively communicates a focused goal, promoting clarity and alignment. When using the phrase, ensure the aim is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "a singular objective" and "one clear goal" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. Be aware that using "a single aim" for multifaceted goals can dilute the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a singular objective

Replaces "aim" with "objective" maintaining the focus on having only one goal.

a sole objective

Uses "sole" to reinforce the exclusivity and singleness of the objective.

one clear goal

Substitutes "single aim" with a more descriptive term, emphasizing clarity and singularity of the goal.

a specific objective

Emphasizes the specificity of the objective, making it distinct and well-defined.

a distinct goal

Highlights the clarity and separateness of the identified goal.

a focused purpose

Highlights the concentration and direction implied by having one aim.

one overriding goal

Indicates that the goal is dominant and takes precedence over others.

a primary intention

Replaces "aim" with "intention" to emphasize the underlying motivation.

a unified purpose

Suggests a cohesive and collective direction towards a single goal.

a central focus

Emphasizes the concentration of effort and attention on a single point.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single aim" to describe the primary objective of an action, project, or organization. For example, "The company's campaign had "a single aim": to increase brand awareness."

What are some alternatives to "a single aim"?

Alternatives to "a single aim" include "a singular objective", "one clear goal", or "a specific objective". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to have "a single aim" or multiple aims?

Whether it's better to have "a single aim" or multiple aims depends on the situation. "A single aim" promotes focus and clarity, while multiple aims may be necessary for complex projects. However, having too many aims can dilute effort and reduce effectiveness.

What is the difference between "a single aim" and "a single-minded aim"?

"A single aim" simply refers to having one objective. "A single-minded aim" implies a focused and determined pursuit of that objective, often to the exclusion of other considerations. The latter emphasizes the intensity of focus.