aiming to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'aiming to be' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a person's goals in life or their aspirations. For example, you could say, "The young man was aiming to be a successful entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We're not aiming to be literal.

The Guardian

We are aiming to be the very best".

The Guardian - Books

It's not aiming to be revolutionary but good.

The Guardian - Arts

We're aiming to be in Denver by about lunchtime.

The Guardian

I say, O.K., aiming to be open-minded.

The New York Times

Most of them are aiming to be professionals.

The New York Times - Magazine

Afolayan is aiming to be a cut above.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Others aim to be.

The Economist

The initiatives aim to be founder-friendly.

The New York Times

Mulago aims to be different.

Stanford University

I aim to be a cancer survivor".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aiming to be" to clearly express an intention or aspiration, making sure the context provides a clear understanding of the goal.

Common error

Avoid using "aiming to be" when describing a fleeting thought or a low-priority objective. It's better suited for significant, actively pursued goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aiming to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adjective or adverb to describe a subject's intention or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aiming to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to express goals and aspirations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, primarily within News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. While alternatives like "aspiring to be" or "intending to be" exist, "aiming to be" provides a clear and effective way to communicate intentions, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Ensure the context aligns with a significant and actively pursued goal to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiring to be

Replaces "aiming" with a synonym that emphasizes ambition.

intending to be

Focuses on the plan or intention behind the goal.

striving to be

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in achieving the goal.

seeking to be

Implies a deliberate search or pursuit of a desired state.

desiring to be

Emphasizes the wish or longing for a particular outcome.

planning to be

Indicates a formulated strategy to reach a goal.

endeavoring to be

Suggests a serious and determined effort.

working towards being

Highlights the ongoing process of achieving a goal.

with the goal of being

More formal and emphasizes the objective.

targeting being

Indicates a specific aim or objective.

FAQs

How do I use "aiming to be" in a sentence?

"Aiming to be" is used to express an intention or goal. For example, "She is aiming to be the best in her class" or "The company is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030".

What are some alternatives to "aiming to be"?

Alternatives include "aspiring to be", "intending to be", or "striving to be" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "aiming at being" instead of "aiming to be"?

While both phrases can be grammatically correct, "aiming to be" is more common and generally preferred. "Aiming at being" might be used in specific contexts where "at" indicates a target, but "aiming to be" is more versatile.

What is the difference between "trying to be" and "aiming to be"?

"Aiming to be" suggests a specific, intentional goal, while "trying to be" implies a more general effort or attempt without necessarily having a defined objective. "Aiming" carries a stronger sense of purpose.