aim to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “aim to” is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is most often used in the context of setting a goal or intent to do something. For example: “We aim to increase public awareness of this important issue.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others aim to be.

The Economist

"We aim to entertain".

The New York Times

Both aim to leave Tuesday.

The New York Times

Let's aim to fix that.

The New York Times - Science

"We aim to destroy it.

The New York Times

We aim to please.

The Guardian - Sport

We aim to surprise".

The Guardian - Sport

I aim to please.

The Guardian - Sport

They aim to please.

The New York Times

Do aim to entertain.

The Guardian

We aim to cover the uncovered ground".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aim to" when expressing a clear intention or goal. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "aim to" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal documents. Opt for stronger verbs like "intend", "seek", or "strive" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aim to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express intention or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to wikis and formal business settings. While versatile, remember to consider stronger verbs in formal writing for a more impactful tone. When expressing an intention, "aim to" provides a clear and accessible option for both formal and informal communication. Consider alternatives like "intend to" or "seek to" for subtle shifts in meaning or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intend to

Similar in expressing a plan or purpose, but slightly more formal than "aim to".

plan to

Focuses on the planning aspect of an action, suggesting a structured approach.

seek to

Implies a more determined or ambitious effort towards achieving something.

strive to

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in pursuing a goal.

aspire to

Suggests a higher level of ambition or a long-term goal.

hope to

Expresses a desire or expectation, often with less certainty than "aim to".

try to

Indicates an attempt to do something, without a guarantee of success.

purpose to

A more formal and less common way of expressing a clear intention.

mean to

Similar to intend, but can also imply a sense of obligation or expectation.

endeavor to

A formal alternative, emphasizing effort and commitment to achieving a goal.

FAQs

How to use "aim to" in a sentence?

You can use "aim to" to express an intention or a goal. For example, "We aim to increase public awareness of this issue".

What can I say instead of "aim to"?

You can use alternatives like "intend to", "plan to", or "seek to" depending on the context.

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

"Aim to" expresses an intention or goal (e.g., "We aim to improve our services"), while "aim at" suggests directing something towards a specific target (e.g., "The marketing campaign aims at young adults").

Is it formal to use "aim to"?

The phrase "aim to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using stronger alternatives like "endeavor to" or "strive to".