aim to beat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim to beat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a goal or intention to surpass or defeat someone or something in a competitive context. Example: "Our team aims to beat the previous record set last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Aim to beat this time next time you train.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reporters aim to beat the riders to the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

They aim to beat inflation by one, three, five and seven percentage points, respectively.

The New York Times

Terrorists fight like tai-chi masters: they aim to beat the rival with the rival's own power.

The Guardian - Books

Currently, fixed-income and all-asset funds aim to beat the C.D.I., sometimes called the D.I. rate.

The New York Times

Every season I would aim to beat it, reach 16, and then think, "Damn it!" Peter Schmeichel did equal it for Manchester United – but in a 38-game season it's not quite as impressive.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

We are aiming to beat attendance records again this year".

The Guardian - Sport

The one difference is that Apollo was an American project aiming to "beat the Russians".

Independent

"Obviously, the guy we're aiming to beat is the No. 2 player, Woodruff.

The New York Times - Sports

Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba will be aiming to beat her own world record of 14 11.15.

The Guardian - Sport

The note informs us that Shaw aims to beat the male gaze in a staring contest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aim to beat" when you want to express a specific goal of outperforming a competitor, exceeding a target, or breaking a record. It clearly conveys the intention of surpassing a defined benchmark.

Common error

Avoid using "aim to beat" when simply expressing a desire to achieve something without a comparative element. Use alternatives like "strive for", "seek to achieve", or "hope to accomplish" when there's no direct opponent or benchmark.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to beat" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose or intention behind an action. It serves to indicate a goal of surpassing or outperforming something, whether it's a competitor, a record, or a benchmark, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aim to beat" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase that clearly conveys the intention of surpassing or outperforming something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable in various contexts, most prominently in news, sports, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations involving direct competition or specific benchmarks to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "strive to surpass" or "seek to overcome" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Understanding its register and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to surpass

Emphasizes the effort and dedication involved in exceeding a particular goal or standard.

seek to overcome

Focuses on the act of conquering obstacles or challenges to achieve a desired outcome.

aspire to outperform

Highlights the ambition and desire to exceed the performance of others.

intend to exceed

Expresses a clear and deliberate plan to go beyond a specified limit or expectation.

target to surpass

Highlights setting a specific goal to exceed a certain level or achievement.

endeavor to outdo

Implies a conscientious effort to perform better than someone or something else.

resolve to triumph

Conveys a strong determination to achieve victory or success against adversity.

commit to exceeding

Signals a firm and unwavering dedication to surpass established boundaries.

desire to conquer

Emphasizes a strong wish to overcome challenges and achieve a dominant position.

plan to dominate

Indicates a strategic approach aimed at achieving a leading or controlling position.

FAQs

How can I use "aim to beat" in a sentence?

You can use "aim to beat" to express the intention of outperforming something or someone. For example, "The company "aims to beat" its sales record from last year".

What are some alternatives to "aim to beat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "strive to surpass", "seek to overcome", or "aspire to outperform".

Is it correct to say "aiming to beat" instead of "aim to beat"?

Yes, "aiming to beat" is a grammatically correct alternative. It uses the present participle form of "aim" and often implies an ongoing effort or immediate intention, whereas "aim to beat" expresses a more general objective.

What's the difference between "aim to beat" and "try to beat"?

"Aim to beat" suggests a deliberate goal with planning and strategy, while "try to beat" implies an attempt without necessarily having a defined strategy or expectation of success.