aim to entertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim to entertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the intention or goal of a piece of content, such as a performance, book, or film, to engage and amuse the audience. Example: "The filmmakers aim to entertain viewers with their latest action-packed blockbuster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We aim to entertain".

The New York Times

Do aim to entertain.

The Guardian

His primary aim: to entertain.

The Guardian

The Southwest people also aim to entertain.

The New York Times - Arts

In other words, Perry does not simply aim to entertain, though entertain he does, in spades.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Buffett said in an interview that the short episodes would aim to "entertain kids and deliver a message".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In the medieval Muslim theatre, mime shows aimed to entertain rather than to uplift their audiences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The videos are what marketers call branded content, which aims to entertain consumers more than to promote products.

The New York Times

Even Athol Fugard, in a recent interview with the Guardian, appeared to contrast theatre that aimed to be political and that which aimed to entertain.

The Guardian

The arrangements on the album are mostly sparse, to emphasize the vocals, but onstage Tillman goes for a heftier sound; he aims to entertain.

The New Yorker

In my book Rock'n'Roll Soccer, I examine how the North American Soccer League (NASL) briefly gave the global game a much-needed kick in the backside, aiming to entertain fans, not alienate them, and cheerfully bending the sacred laws of the sport while encouraging flair and self-expression.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aim to entertain", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and objective of your content. If your primary goal is to inform or educate, balance entertainment with these objectives for a more effective communication strategy.

Common error

Avoid prioritizing entertainment at the expense of accuracy or substance, especially in contexts where credibility and factual information are essential. A focus solely on entertainment can undermine the message and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to entertain" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It typically follows a subject and verb, indicating what someone or something intends to achieve. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aim to entertain" is grammatically sound and commonly used to express the intention of providing amusement or enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic sources. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's important to balance entertainment with accuracy and substance, especially in contexts where credibility is crucial. Alternatives such as "intend to amuse" or "strive to amuse" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intend to amuse

Focuses on providing amusement as the primary goal.

strive to amuse

Emphasizes the effort made to entertain.

seek to delight

Highlights the intention to bring joy and pleasure.

aspire to captivate

Suggests a desire to hold the audience's attention.

endeavor to engage

Focuses on involving the audience actively.

have the purpose of amusing

Highlights purpose instead of action.

be designed to entertain

Focuses on design and intent of entertaining.

be meant to amuse

Indicates the intended effect of amusement.

set out to entertain

Emphasizes the initial intention to provide entertainment.

make it one's business to entertain

Highlights the commitment to entertaining as a primary activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim to entertain" to describe the intention behind creative works. For example, "The movie's director said his main goal was to "aim to entertain" audiences with a compelling story".

What are some alternatives to "aim to entertain"?

Alternatives include "intend to amuse", "strive to amuse", or "seek to delight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "aim at entertaining" instead of "aim to entertain"?

While grammatically possible, "aim at entertaining" is less common and can sound awkward. "Aim to entertain" is generally preferred for its simplicity and directness.

What's the difference between "aim to entertain" and "aim to please"?

"Aim to entertain" focuses on providing amusement and enjoyment, while "aim to please" suggests a broader goal of satisfying someone's preferences or desires, which may not necessarily involve entertainment.