aimed to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aimed to kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an intention or purpose to cause death is being described, often in discussions about violence or conflict. Example: "The assassin's plan was meticulously crafted, as it was aimed to kill the target without leaving any trace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It aimed to kill.

The Guardian

Most were aimed to kill, at the head, thorax, abdomen.

The Guardian

The gunman later told investigators that he had aimed to kill politicians.

The New York Times

ETA terrorists mostly aimed to kill government officials, soldiers and police officers.

The New York Times

The terrorists' attempts to show they aimed to kill only non-Muslims had a perverse logic.

The Guardian

Rife with abuse, the schools aimed to "kill the Indian in the child", as documented by a recent truth commission.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Before he knows it, he's aiming to kill.

The New York Times - Books

By murdering innocent people, they aim to kill the growing hope for peace itself.

Yale University

Omar stick-ups: he aims to kill Monk, but it's a trap.

The Guardian

And three foreigners were arrested, suspected of aiming to kill Shia at Ashura commemorations in Kerbala.

The Economist

The Program is either a Government agency that aims to kill people that work against it, or it's own organisation in it's own right that aims to kill people that go against the Government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aimed to kill" when describing deliberate actions intended to cause death, particularly in discussions of violence, terrorism, or military strategy. Ensure the context clearly supports this interpretation.

Common error

The phrase "aimed to kill" carries a strong connotation of violence. Avoid using it metaphorically in contexts where the intent is not literally to cause death, as this can create unintended and jarring implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aimed to kill" functions as a verb phrase indicating the intended outcome or purpose of an action. It describes an action with the express purpose of causing death. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aimed to kill" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that conveys a deliberate intention to cause death. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and use in various contexts. While "aimed to kill" is mainly found in news and media, and its usage is considered uncommon, it's crucial to be mindful of its strong violent connotations and to avoid using it inappropriately. Consider alternatives like "intended to kill" or "designed to kill" to refine your message and prevent any unintended interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended to kill

Replaces "aimed" with "intended", focusing on the purpose or goal.

designed to kill

Emphasizes the planning and construction with the purpose of causing death.

meant to kill

Suggests a purpose or intention behind the action.

sought to kill

Implies an active pursuit or attempt to cause death.

plotted to kill

Highlights the planning or scheming involved in causing death.

purposed to kill

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the deliberate intention.

set out to kill

Indicates a clear and determined objective to cause death.

had the objective to kill

Focuses on the goal or desired outcome of causing death.

with the intention to kill

Elaborates on the mental state or purpose of the actor.

aspired to kill

Suggests a strong desire or ambition to cause death.

FAQs

How can I use "aimed to kill" in a sentence?

You can use "aimed to kill" to describe a deliberate intention to cause death, as in "The bomb was "designed to kill" as many people as possible".

What are some alternatives to "aimed to kill"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intended to kill", "meant to kill", or "designed to kill".

Is "aimed at killing" grammatically correct instead of "aimed to kill"?

While "aimed at killing" is grammatically correct, "aimed to kill" is more concise and commonly used, especially when describing the purpose or intention behind an action.

What is the difference between "aimed to injure" and "aimed to kill"?

"Aimed to injure" suggests an intention to cause harm but not necessarily death, whereas "aimed to kill" indicates a specific intent to cause death. The former implies a lesser degree of violence than the latter.