aiming at

USAGE SUMMARY

"aiming at" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are trying to accomplish a particular goal. For example, "We are aiming at creating a budget that meets our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You were aiming at the wrong target.

The New York Times

"They were clearly aiming at a point.

The New York Times - Sports

John was aiming at a broad public.

The New York Times - Books

New cyberattacks are aiming at small businesses.

The New York Times

Who knows what they were aiming at.

The New York Times - Arts

Now industry allies are aiming at voters.

The New York Times

We weren't aiming at a certain group.

The Guardian - Film

Now she is aiming at the Olympics.

The New York Times - Arts

Black isn't exactly aiming at stylistic iconoclasm.

The New Yorker

Aiming at a year-end release.

The Guardian - Film

Brooke is aiming at that gap".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aiming at", ensure the object of the preposition is a clear and specific target or goal. For example, "The company is aiming at increasing its market share.".

Common error

Avoid using "aiming at" with overly abstract nouns that lack a tangible or measurable outcome. Instead of "aiming at success", consider a more specific objective like "aiming at improved sales figures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aiming at" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition. It indicates the direction of effort or intention towards a specific goal or target. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is valid and provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aiming at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate targeting a specific goal or objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business communications. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure that the object following "aiming at" is a concrete noun for clarity. Remember to consider alternatives like "targeting", "intending to", or "striving for" to add variety to your writing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "aiming at" to convey your intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

targeting

Focuses specifically on the act of directing something towards a particular goal or recipient.

intending to

Highlights the purpose or plan behind an action, emphasizing the desired outcome.

striving for

Suggests a dedicated effort and ambition in pursuing a specific objective.

pursuing

Implies active engagement in seeking a particular goal or objective.

working towards

Emphasizes the process and effort involved in making progress toward a goal.

seeking

Indicates an attempt to find or obtain something, often a specific outcome or objective.

aspiring to

Suggests a strong desire and ambition to achieve a high-level goal or position.

endeavoring to

Conveys a serious and determined effort to accomplish a particular task or goal.

setting sights on

Illustrates the act of focusing one's attention and efforts on a specific objective.

gearing up for

Implies preparing and organizing resources to achieve a certain event or goal.

FAQs

How to use "aiming at" in a sentence?

Use "aiming at" to express targeting a specific goal or objective. For example, "The project is "aiming at" reducing carbon emissions."

What can I say instead of "aiming at"?

You can use alternatives like "targeting", "intending to", or "striving for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "aiming at" or "aiming to"?

"Aiming at" is followed by a noun or gerund, while "aiming to" is followed by a verb. For example, "aiming at a higher score" vs. "aiming to improve". Both are correct but have different grammatical structures.

What's the difference between "aiming at" and "targeting"?

"Aiming at" generally implies a broader intention or direction, while "targeting" suggests a more focused and direct approach. "We're aiming at a new demographic" vs. "We're targeting young adults with this ad campaign".