aim at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a target or goal that one is trying to achieve. Example: "The new marketing campaign aims at increasing brand awareness among younger consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You aim at the ball.

The New Yorker

Aim at my heart.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Aim at that, lad.

The New York Times - Sports

That is my aim at the moment".

Independent

He took particular aim at beef producers.

The Economist

Scalia took direct aim at Ginsburg.

The New Yorker

California legislators take aim at baby sitters.

The New York Times

All day I aim at date palms.

The New Yorker

Too mad to even aim at Garrett.

The New Yorker

They also took aim at each other.

The New York Times

She takes aim at Cookie Monster.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aim at", ensure that the target is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Clarity in your objective will strengthen your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "aim at" with abstract nouns that don't represent concrete goals or targets. For instance, instead of saying "aim at happiness", consider "strive for happiness" or "seek happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim at" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses intention or direction towards a specific goal or target. It is commonly used to indicate what someone or something is trying to achieve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aim at" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express intention or direction toward a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely applicable across diverse contexts, but careful attention to clarity and target specificity is essential. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in wiki and science contexts, exhibiting register versatility. While various alternatives exist, such as "target" or "strive for", understanding its nuanced usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

target

This alternative is a single word replacing the verb phrase with a noun to express the object of the aiming.

strive for

This alternative focuses on the effort and ambition involved in pursuing a goal.

aspire to

This alternative suggests a higher level of ambition and desire for achievement.

intend to

This alternative emphasizes the plan or intention behind the action.

seek to

This alternative implies a deliberate and purposeful search for a specific outcome.

focus on

This alternative highlights the concentration of effort and resources on a particular objective.

have the goal of

This alternative explicitly states the presence of a specific aim or objective.

be directed towards

This alternative suggests that the action or effort is pointed in a specific direction.

work towards

This alternative conveys the ongoing effort and progress towards a desired outcome.

set your sights on

This alternative uses a more idiomatic expression to indicate a clear ambition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "aim at" is used to express the intention to achieve something. For example, "The company "aims at" increasing its market share."

What can I say instead of "aim at"?

You can use alternatives like "target", "strive for", or "intend to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "aim at achieving" or "aim to achieve"?

Both "aim at achieving" and "aim to achieve" are grammatically correct, but "aim to achieve" is more concise and commonly used. "Aim at achieving" emphasizes the ongoing effort.

What's the difference between "aim at" and "target"?

"Aim at" is a verb phrase that indicates the action of directing effort towards something, while "target" can be a noun representing the goal itself. You aim at a target.