aim for the first

USAGE SUMMARY

"aim for the first" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a goal or motivation to reach the highest position, best rank, or earliest time. For example, you could say, "I'm aiming for the first place in the race".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Just two companies joined Aim for the first time during September, while a further 31 businesses raised money in a secondary issue.

Independent

Atmospheric scientist Roisin Commane and colleagues aim for the first time to directly measure and understand how the process works in vegetation by placing instruments in western Massachusetts Harvard Forestt above and below the canopy.

Columbia University

Taking aim for the first time at the newly formed unity government, the protesters raged against the domination of the new cabinet by members of ousted President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali's ruling party.

The New York Times

When a performer came in to AIM for the first time they were shown a Porn 101 video.

Vice

After months of struggling to harness the energy of newly engaged tea party activists, the conservative establishment -- with critical midterm congressional elections on the horizon -- is taking aim for the first time at the movement's extremist elements.

Huffington Post

The aim for the first PDSA cycle (2008/9) was that the time from referral to assessment decrease compared with the 2007 data (Plan).

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Companies like to say that they aim for the third approach, but they do not always find it easy.In the end, though, do knowledge workers not always contribute something that is unmeasurable?

The Economist

Always aim for the third way.

Huffington Post

The aim for the second PDSA cycle (2011) was that the time from referral to assessment decrease compared with 2008/9 following the interventions (Plan).

BMC Geriatrics

Aim for the second arrow from the gutter on your dominant side.

WikiHow

Some players aim for the second row of balls, hoping to bounce the cue ball off a rail and back into the rack for more action.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aim for the first", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the "first" refers to. For example, "aim for the first position", "aim for the first launch date", or "aim for the first edition".

Common error

Avoid using "aim for the first" when you mean simply to start something. Instead of saying "We aim for the first step in the project", say "We aim to start the project" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim for the first" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing intention or purpose. It indicates a goal-oriented action where the objective is to achieve a leading or primary position. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aim for the first" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey the intention of achieving a primary objective, top position, or earliest occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, emphasizing its applicability across diverse writing contexts. While classified as "Uncommon" in frequency, it's identified as generally neutral in register. Usage ranges across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, with the phrase most effectively employed when the "first" is clearly defined. Alternatives like "strive for the top" or "target the primary goal" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on the primary target

Focuses on concentrating efforts on a specific primary objective.

target the primary goal

Highlights the act of targeting a goal that is considered the main one.

prioritize the foremost task

Highlights the act of prioritizing a task over others.

strive for the top

Focuses on general ambition rather than a specific first position.

concentrate on the lead

Suggests directing attention and effort towards maintaining or achieving a leading position.

seek the leading position

Emphasizes the pursuit of a position at the forefront.

pursue the initial objective

Focuses on the pursuit of an objective set at the beginning.

aspire to the foremost rank

Highlights a strong desire to achieve a high rank.

endeavor to reach the top

Emphasizes the effort put into getting to the highest position.

go for the gold

An idiomatic expression indicating the pursuit of the highest prize.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim for the first" to express the intention to achieve the highest rank, position, or earliest occurrence. For example, "The company will "aim for the first" delivery date".

What does "aim for the first" mean?

"Aim for the first" means to target the highest or most prominent position, rank, or occurrence. It signifies ambition and a desire to lead or be the earliest to achieve something.

What are some alternatives to "aim for the first"?

Alternatives include "strive for the top", "target the primary goal", or "seek the leading position", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "aiming for the first"?

Yes, "aiming for the first" is grammatically correct and indicates an ongoing effort to achieve a primary goal or position. It's the progressive form of the verb "aim".