aim for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a goal or target that one is trying to achieve. Example: "In this project, we aim for a significant increase in customer satisfaction by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They aim for perfection.

The New York Times - Sports

Aim for the mark".

The New Yorker

We shouldn't aim for happiness.

Independent

Aim for the front.

BBC

Aim for muscle fatigue.

WikiHow

Aim for middle ground.

WikiHow

Aim for complexity.

WikiHow

Aim for equality.

WikiHow

Aim for your target.

WikiHow

Aim for perfectionism.

WikiHow

Aim for the joints.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about what you're aiming for. Clear goals improve communication and understanding.

Common error

Avoid setting unrealistic goals when you "aim for" something. Ensure that the objective is achievable given the available resources and timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim for" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating the setting of a goal or objective. Ludwig shows it's commonly used to express intention or purpose, as highlighted by the examples provided. It helps clarify what someone intends to achieve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aim for" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to express the setting of a goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and choose synonyms like "strive for" or "aspire to" depending on the desired formality. Avoid unrealistic ambition and always ensure clarity when specifying your target to enhance communication and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for

Focuses on the effort and determination involved in achieving something.

target

Suggests a specific goal or objective that is being pursued.

aspire to

Implies a higher level of ambition and desire.

seek

Emphasizes the act of searching or pursuing something.

endeavor to

More formal and emphasizes a serious attempt.

pursue

Highlights the continuous effort to reach the aim.

work towards

Highlights incremental steps to achieve the aim.

set your sights on

Emphasizes having a specific ambition.

have the goal to

Highlights the objective that you are trying to accomplish.

make an effort for

Emphasizes that you are actively making the effort to reach a determined aim.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim for" to express a goal or target, such as "We "aim for" a 10% increase in sales this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "aim for"?

Some alternatives to "aim for" include "strive for", "target", or "aspire to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "aim at" the same as "aim for"?

"Aim at" and "aim for" can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "aim at" often implies directing something (like a weapon) towards a specific point, while "aim for" usually refers to a goal or objective.

What should I consider when choosing between "aim for" and "strive for"?

While both express a desire to achieve something, "aim for" suggests a specific target, while "strive for" ("strive for") emphasizes the effort and determination involved in pursuing a goal.