aim to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'aim to keep' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when indicating the intention to maintain or hold onto something, either physical or abstract. For example: "We aim to keep our family values alive and well for generations to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And I aim to keep on going.

The Guardian - Travel

Now, however, companies aim to keep their work forces lean all the time.

The New York Times

While these projects aim to keep Lagos from going bad, the outlook remains dim.

The Guardian

They generally aim to keep a stable asset value of $1 a share.

The Guardian - Business

We will aim to keep them updated of any progress as and when we can".

The Guardian - Sport

DSWA members aim to keep the art of making them alive.

The Guardian

"We aim to keep that red edge alive in the LeftField".

The Guardian - Music

But I always aim to keep my balance, as I step in and step back.

The New York Times - Sports

Luckily a number of iPhone apps aim to keep you from frying with advice and reminders.

The New York Times

Zoning laws will aim to keep the area rural, and it is a more stable market environment than eastern Massachusetts.

The New York Times

All submariners aim to keep pitches low and induce double plays, but Ziegler has had flabbergasting success.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aim to keep", clearly state what you are trying to maintain. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "aim to keep" excessively in formal documents. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "strive to maintain" or "endeavor to preserve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to keep" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing intention or purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe a desired outcome of maintaining a certain state or condition. This is evidenced by examples such as "aim to keep pitches low" or "aim to keep your writing succinct".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aim to keep" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to articulate the intention to maintain or preserve something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific publications and general writing. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and its effectiveness lies in clearly stating a goal related to maintaining a specific state or condition. When employing "aim to keep", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what you intend to maintain, and avoid overuse in very formal writing to prevent repetitiveness. Consider using synonyms such as "strive to preserve" or "intend to maintain" to enhance the variety in your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intend to maintain

Replaces "aim" with "intend", emphasizing a planned course of action to maintain something.

strive to preserve

Substitutes "aim" with "strive" and "keep" with "preserve", highlighting effort and the act of maintaining something in its original condition.

endeavor to retain

Uses "endeavor" instead of "aim" and "retain" instead of "keep", suggesting a more formal and diligent effort to hold onto something.

seek to uphold

Replaces "aim" with "seek" and "keep" with "uphold", focusing on maintaining a standard or principle.

aspire to sustain

Substitutes "aim" with "aspire" and "keep" with "sustain", indicating a goal of maintaining something over a long period.

plan to conserve

Uses "plan" instead of "aim" and "conserve" instead of "keep", emphasizing a deliberate strategy to protect and maintain resources or qualities.

desire to safeguard

Replaces "aim" with "desire" and "keep" with "safeguard", highlighting a strong wish to protect something from harm or loss.

work to perpetuate

Substitutes "aim" with "work" and "keep" with "perpetuate", focusing on ensuring something continues indefinitely.

try to hold onto

Uses "try" instead of "aim" and "hold onto" instead of "keep", suggesting an effort to maintain possession or control.

hope to maintain

Replaces "aim" with "hope", indicating a wish for something to be kept or maintained.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim to keep" to express an intention to maintain or preserve something, such as "We aim to keep our prices competitive" or "They aim to keep the park clean and safe for visitors".

What are some alternatives to "aim to keep"?

Alternatives include "intend to maintain", "strive to preserve", or "endeavor to retain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "aim at keeping" instead of "aim to keep"?

While "aim at keeping" isn't inherently incorrect, "aim to keep" is more common and generally preferred in standard English. "Aim at" typically requires a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing), but the infinitive form ("to keep") is more direct and widely accepted.

What is the difference between "aim to keep" and "try to keep"?

"Aim to keep" suggests a planned or strategic intention to maintain something, while "try to keep" implies an effort or attempt, which may or may not be successful. "Aim" implies a higher degree of certainty or commitment.