aim high

USAGE SUMMARY

"aim high" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to set ambitious goals for themselves. For example, you could say "Believe in yourself and always aim high!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Aim high, ignore the cynics.

Independent

"Like I said, I aim high.

The New York Times

People who hate big business aim high.

The Economist

"They aim high, and deliver.

The Guardian - Books

Aim high the first time.

Stanford University

"I want them to aim high.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Private-equity managers aim higher.

The New Yorker

Aim higher, always.

The Guardian - Sport

But why shouldn't I aim higher?

The New York Times

But he can always aim higher.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Romney ought to aim higher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, follow "aim high" with specific, actionable steps to make the goal feel achievable, rather than overwhelming. This provides a balance between aspiration and practicality.

Common error

Avoid using "aim high" in situations where the goal is demonstrably unachievable or where resources are severely limited. Overly optimistic encouragement without a foundation in reality can be demotivating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim high" functions primarily as an imperative, urging or encouraging someone to set ambitious goals. Ludwig shows this usage across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role as a motivational directive. It suggests striving for excellence and not settling for mediocrity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aim high" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage ambitious goal-setting. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and the numerous examples provided showcase its wide applicability across various contexts, from news and media to academia and business. While its register is mostly neutral, its communicative purpose is overwhelmingly motivational, making it a powerful tool for inspiring others. When advising someone to "aim high", be sure to ground the aspiration in actionable steps to ensure the goal feels attainable. Remember, the phrase is most effective when paired with realistic planning and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set your sights high

Similar to "aim high" but emphasizes the act of setting one's sights on a high objective.

set ambitious goals

Focuses on the act of setting goals, highlighting the ambition behind them.

strive for excellence

Emphasizes the pursuit of superior quality and achievement.

pursue ambitious targets

Focuses on the active pursuit of challenging and ambitious goals.

reach for the stars

Uses a more figurative expression to convey aiming for something extraordinary.

shoot for the moon

Similar to 'reach for the stars', suggesting aiming for a very high target.

be ambitious

A more direct and concise way of expressing the importance of having high ambitions.

aspire to greatness

Highlights the ambition to achieve significant accomplishments.

have lofty aspirations

Emphasizes the elevated and ambitious nature of one's desires.

challenge yourself

Highlights the element of pushing oneself beyond one's comfort zone.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim high" to encourage someone to set ambitious goals. For example, you might say, "Even if it seems difficult, always "aim high" and work towards your dreams."

What is a good alternative to "aim high"?

Alternatives include "set ambitious goals", "strive for excellence", or "reach for the stars", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it ever bad advice to "aim high"?

While generally positive, "aim high" can be misconstrued if the goals are entirely unrealistic or if the individual lacks the necessary support or resources. It's essential to balance ambition with practicality.

What does it mean to "set your sights high"?

Setting your sights high is similar to "aiming high", meaning to have ambitious goals and expectations. It implies a focused and determined approach towards achieving significant accomplishments.