aim to seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim to seem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention to give a particular impression or appearance to others. Example: "She aims to seem more confident during her presentations to impress her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problems that augmented reality startups aim to solve often seem trivial.

TechCrunch

The program would aim to make Android software seem more consistent across smartphones from different manufacturers.

The Guardian - Tech

Aim to be trustworthy and seem respectable.

WikiHow

One of the most effective ways to help them to achieve this aim seems to be the adoption of a good emergency evacuation wayfinding system, especially in smoke or black-out conditions.

Journal of Cultural Heritage

"Their unstated aim now seems to be to bring the Austria government down.

The New York Times

The aim often seems to be to create division and reduce trust and credibility (including in the media itself) rather than to push a particular viewpoint.

BBC

Her aim seems to be to restore to this pictorial device the kind of raw power it had in the "Black" paintings of Goya.

The New York Times - Arts

The aim here seems to be not only to oust Dilma but also legally bar Lula as a potential presidential candidate in 2018.

The Guardian

Her aim seems to be to pare it down to its most accessible.

Independent

Lerner made his name first as a poet and there are passages of densely poetic, Lawrentian prose whose aim seems to be to push the form to its limits.

The Guardian - Books

One aim seems to be to send a signal to voters that whatever they do, Tsvangirai will never rule, making voting for him futile and dangerous.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aim to seem", consider whether a more direct verb like "appear" or "look" might be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "They aim to seem professional", try "They appear professional".

Common error

Avoid using "aim to seem" excessively in formal contexts, as it can sometimes imply insincerity. Opt for more direct and confident phrasing to convey your intended meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to seem" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It modifies a verb, indicating the goal or objective behind an action. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe the attempt to project a specific image or quality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

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Wiki

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Science

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Less common in

Formal & Business

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Encyclopedias

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Academia

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aim to seem" is a grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to express the intention of projecting a specific image or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While grammatically correct, the phrase can sometimes carry a connotation of insincerity, suggesting that the individual is not genuinely what they are trying to appear. Therefore, writers should carefully consider whether a more direct or alternative phrasing might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "strive to appear" or "endeavor to look" can provide similar meanings, but with subtle differences in nuance. Given its relatively low frequency across various contexts, it is advisable to use this phrase judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to appear

Replaces "aim" with "strive" to emphasize effort, and replaces "seem" with "appear" to focus on outward presentation.

try to come across as

Uses "come across as" to highlight the impression made on others, rather than just aiming for a certain appearance.

endeavor to look

Emphasizes a more formal effort to achieve a specific visual impression.

seek to give the impression of

Highlights the intent to create a particular feeling or idea in others' minds.

aspire to project an image of

Focuses on projecting a carefully constructed public persona.

intend to convey

Shifts the focus to the message or feeling being communicated.

make an effort to look like

Emphasizes the work involved in achieving a desired appearance.

work at appearing

Highlights the ongoing effort and active nature of trying to seem a certain way.

purpose to present oneself as

Implies a deliberate and strategic decision to appear in a specific manner.

have the goal of seeming

Directly states the desired outcome of seeming a particular way.

FAQs

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

You can use "aim to seem" to describe an intention to give a specific impression. For instance, "She "aims to seem" confident, even when she's nervous."

What are some alternatives to "aim to seem"?

Alternatives include "strive to appear", "try to come across as", or "endeavor to look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation to using "aim to seem"?

Sometimes, "aim to seem" can imply a lack of genuineness, suggesting that the person is not truly what they are trying to appear as. Consider whether a more direct phrase would be more appropriate.

Which is better, "aim to seem" or "try to seem"?

Both "aim to seem" and "try to seem" are grammatically correct, but "aim to seem" suggests a more deliberate and strategic effort, while "try to seem" implies a more tentative attempt.