aiming for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aiming for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a goal or objective that one is trying to achieve. Example: "She is aiming for a promotion at work by taking on additional responsibilities and demonstrating her leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're aiming for something.

The Guardian

He was aiming for something outstanding.

The New York Times

They are aiming for something safe.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're aiming for something much bigger.

The New York Times

Big Ballet is aiming for something very different, she says.

The Guardian

Seattle is aiming for something more like a middle ground.

The New York Times - Tech

In fact, Schnitzler was aiming for something more equivocal than tragedy.

The New Yorker

But they are aiming for something less extravagant, with a band — just not the brass sort.

The New York Times

I was aiming for something grander, the Inverlochy Castle, a Relais and Chateaux establishment outside town.

The New York Times - Travel

As long as you're aiming for something that suits you, you won't go far wrong.

The Guardian

Beethoven is aiming for something lyrically graceful, yet a little elusive in this variation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aiming for something", ensure that the context clearly defines what that "something" is. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "aiming for something" without specifying the goal. Instead of saying, "The company is aiming for something new", provide specifics: "The company is aiming for "increased market share"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aiming for something" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It describes an ongoing action or intention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aiming for something" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to express an intention or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression in English. While its usage spans various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news and media. For clarity, it's best practice to specify the "something" being aimed for, ensuring your writing is direct and impactful. Alternatives such as "striving for something" or "targeting something" can add nuance, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving for something

Replaces "aiming" with "striving", suggesting a more determined and effortful approach.

targeting something

Focuses on a specific target or objective, making the goal more concrete.

pursuing something

Emphasizes the act of following a course of action to achieve a goal.

seeking something

Highlights the search or quest for a particular outcome or objective.

working towards something

Implies a gradual and continuous effort to achieve a desired result.

intending to achieve something

Adds emphasis on the intention or plan to accomplish a specific goal.

planning for something

Focuses on the preparatory stages of achieving a goal, highlighting foresight and strategy.

aspiring to something

Suggests a lofty or ambitious goal, often involving personal growth or achievement.

endeavoring to something

Implies a serious and determined effort, often in the face of challenges or difficulties.

trying to get something

Uses a more informal tone, suitable for casual conversation and writing.

FAQs

What does "aiming for something" mean?

The phrase "aiming for something" means having a goal or objective and directing efforts toward achieving it. It implies a sense of purpose and direction.

How can I use "aiming for something" in a sentence?

You can use "aiming for something" to describe someone's aspirations. For example, "She is "aiming for a promotion" at work" or "The project is "aiming for completion" by the end of the year".

What are some alternatives to "aiming for something"?

Alternatives include "striving for something", "targeting something", or "pursuing something". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "aiming for something"?

While "aiming for something" is grammatically correct, being specific about the goal is often better. For instance, instead of saying "The company is aiming for something big", specify: "The company is "aiming for market leadership"".