aim to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'aim to compete' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when someone is trying to develop a strategy to do better than others. For example: The small business is aiming to compete with larger companies by developing new marketing strategies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That suggests that they should aim to compete on quality rather than cost.

The Economist

They are decorated with posters of software applications the employees admire and aim to compete with.

The New York Times - Tech

An intriguing whisper is that he might aim to compete at Rio 2016 with Ayton in the new mixed catamaran class.

The Guardian - Sport

In more meaningful choices, a speculative aim to compete in the long jump has been abandoned: "When I told my coach I wanted to go to Rio we agreed I'd focus only on the 100m and 200m".

The Guardian - Sport

These new-media ventures don't really aim to compete in the first place; their creators are merely taking advantage of the economics of the online medium to do something that they feel good about.

The New York Times

Moinet was known to be a close confidant and adviser of the renowned horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet, so it's interesting to note that Mr. Schaller and his team aim to compete directly with the Breguet house, owned by Swatch Group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

While the others want an amusing lunch, Roger aims to compete.

The New York Times

But the football association is aiming to compete in the 2006 World Cup.

The Economist

I am told he is aiming to compete at Crystal Palace [on 14 July] and that's all I know".

The Guardian - Sport

Barracuda centres on Danny Kelly, a promising young swimmer aiming to compete in the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Independent

She aims to compete at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and hopes to go on to compete at the next Olympic Games in 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aim to compete" when you want to express a strategic goal of challenging or rivaling others, especially in business or sports contexts. For example, "The company aims to compete with industry leaders through innovative products."

Common error

Avoid using "aim to compete" in highly informal settings. While generally acceptable, it carries a slightly more formal tone. In casual conversations, consider using phrases like "try to win" or "want to beat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to compete" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase. It serves to express the intended action or goal of a subject, typically involving rivalry or contest. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aim to compete" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate an intention to rival or challenge others. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is frequently used in contexts where strategies are being developed to outperform competitors. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most prevalent in news and media, as well as formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, it carries a slightly more formal tone and is best suited for professional or strategic communications. Alternatives such as "strive to contend" or "seek to challenge" offer similar meanings, but "aim to compete" emphasizes a planned and purposeful approach to competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to contend

Focuses on the effort and determination involved in competing.

seek to challenge

Emphasizes the act of questioning or contesting established norms or rivals.

endeavor to rival

Highlights the attempt to match or surpass another's achievements or position.

aspire to challenge

Suggests a high level of ambition and a strong desire to confront competition.

intend to rival

Expresses a clear plan or intention to compete.

set out to contend

Indicates a purposeful beginning to engage in competition.

plan to challenge

Highlights the strategic aspect of preparing to compete.

desire to contend

Implies a wish or longing to participate in and potentially win a competition.

work towards competing

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and preparation needed for competing.

have ambitions to rival

Focuses on having long-term goals of matching or surpassing another.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim to compete" to indicate an intention to rival others, such as, "The new startup "aims to compete" with established brands by offering lower prices."

What are some alternatives to saying "aim to compete"?

Alternatives include "strive to contend", "seek to challenge", or "endeavor to rival". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "aim to compete" or "try to compete"?

"Aim to compete" suggests a strategic intent and long-term goal, whereas "try to compete" implies a more tentative effort. The choice depends on the level of commitment you want to express.

What's the difference between "aim to compete" and "intend to compete"?

"Aim to compete" often carries a sense of aspiration and ambition, while "intend to compete" is a more straightforward statement of purpose. They are largely interchangeable, but "aim" may imply a higher level of dedication.