aim to please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim to please" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or intention to satisfy or make others happy. Example: "In my role as a customer service representative, I always aim to please our clients by addressing their needs promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We aim to please.

The Guardian - Sport

I aim to please.

The Guardian - Sport

They aim to please.

The New York Times

I always aim to please.

The Guardian

Nor does she aim to please.

The New York Times - Books

He does aim to please, though.

The New York Times

These are women who aim to please.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We aim to please," he says.

The New Yorker

She does not aim to please, or aim at all.

The New Yorker

I am an actress; I aim to please".

The New Yorker

"I aim to please," Agassi said Wednesday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aim to please" when you want to express a genuine intention to meet someone's expectations or needs. It implies a proactive and positive approach.

Common error

While "aim to please" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Variety in expressing your intentions can make your writing more engaging. Consider using synonyms like "strive to satisfy" or "endeavor to accommodate" to prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to please" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates an intention or goal to satisfy or accommodate others. This phrase often follows a verb indicating action or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aim to please" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies an intention to satisfy or accommodate others. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to business communications, reflecting a neutral register suitable for various audiences. While synonyms like "strive to satisfy" or "endeavor to accommodate" exist, "aim to please" maintains its relevance and utility in expressing a proactive and service-oriented attitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the intention to satisfy

Explicitly states the intention to satisfy.

strive for satisfaction

Replaces 'aim' with 'strive' and 'please' with 'satisfaction', focusing on effort and outcome.

make an effort to satisfy

Highlights the effort involved in pleasing someone.

endeavor to satisfy

Uses more formal vocabulary ('endeavor', 'satisfy') to express the same intention.

be disposed to accommodate

Indicates a willingness or readiness to accommodate.

seek to accommodate

Focuses on accommodating needs rather than generally pleasing.

be keen on pleasing

Expresses enthusiasm for pleasing others.

try to gratify

Emphasizes fulfilling desires or needs.

devote oneself to satisfying

Implies a strong commitment to satisfying someone.

work towards contentment

Shifts the focus to creating a state of contentment.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim to please" to indicate an intention to satisfy or accommodate someone. For example, "The restaurant staff always "aim to please" their customers."

What's a more formal alternative to "aim to please"?

A more formal alternative would be "endeavor to satisfy" or "strive to accommodate", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "aiming to please"?

Yes, "aiming to please" is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses. For instance, "The company is always "aiming to please" its shareholders."

What is the difference between "aim to please" and "want to please"?

"Aim to please" implies a deliberate and intentional effort, while "want to please" simply expresses a desire. "Aim to please" suggests a proactive approach, while "want to please" may be more passive.