aim to impress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim to impress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's intention to create a positive or strong impression on others. Example: "During the presentation, she aimed to impress the investors with her innovative ideas and confident delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I constantly aim to impress.

The Guardian

But you should of course aim to impress.

Yale University

These individuals tend to strive for the next promotion, look for more training, and generally aim to impress.

Columbia University

Be positive, show you can use your initiative, aim to impress, and consider what are you bringing to the team.

The Guardian

Five talented dancers aim to impress a distinguished panel in classical Indian Dance.

BBC

These individuals tend to strive for the next promotion, look for more training and generally aim to impress.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Most of all, Microsoft aims to impress Stuart Walker, Southridge's technology consultant and troubleshooter.

The New York Times

High rollers aiming to impress friends or clients might find the Palm Court just the ticket.

The New York Times

In his testimony to Congress, Cohen said these statements included Trump's self-appraisals of his buildings' value — which aimed to impress, instead of aiming for reality.

The Washington Post

This month, StriVectin is introducing a cream ($135) that, like a neurosurgeon at a cocktail party, aims to impress with scientific credentials.

The New York Times

Like any Gaga concert, her halftime show cultivated a mood of bewildered wowee-zowee that aimed to impress more than surprise.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aim to impress" when you want to convey a clear intention to create a positive or strong impression on someone.

Common error

While "aim to impress" is generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it, especially in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "strive for excellence" or "seek to demonstrate proficiency" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to impress" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or goal behind an action, often used to explain why someone is doing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes someone's intention to create a positive impression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aim to impress" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, although Ludwig suggests it's best used with awareness of context. It expresses a clear intention to make a positive impact, often seen in News & Media and academic writing. While versatile, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "strive for excellence". The sources identified by Ludwig underscore its use across various domains, making it a generally accepted way to articulate a desire to create a favorable impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to impress

Implies a more sustained and effortful attempt to create a positive impression.

seek to impress

Suggests a deliberate and strategic effort to gain approval or admiration.

try to impress

A more general term, indicating an attempt without necessarily implying success.

intend to impress

Focuses on the intention or plan to create a certain effect.

hope to impress

Expresses a desire or aspiration to make a favorable impact.

endeavor to impress

Suggests a formal and earnest effort to create a positive impression.

aspire to impress

Implies a high level of ambition and motivation to gain admiration.

desire to impress

Expresses a strong longing or yearning to create a favorable impression.

plan to impress

Highlights the strategic planning involved in creating a specific effect.

mean to impress

Emphasizes the intention and purpose behind the attempt to make a positive impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim to impress" to describe someone's intention to create a positive impression. For example, "The presentation "aimed to impress" the investors with its innovative ideas".

What are some alternatives to "aim to impress"?

Alternatives include "strive to impress", "seek to impress", or "try to impress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "aiming to impress"?

Yes, "aiming to impress" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. For example, "She is "aiming to impress" her boss with her hard work".

What's the difference between "aim to impress" and "dress to impress"?

"Aim to impress" refers to a general intention to create a positive impression, while "dress to impress" specifically refers to choosing clothing and accessories with the intention of making a good impression.