aiming to please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aiming to please" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is trying to make others happy or satisfied, often in a service context. Example: "The waiter was always aiming to please, ensuring that every customer's needs were met promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Aiming to Please The Greenbrier may not be for everybody.

The New York Times - Arts

This time Madonna is aiming to please a slightly more discerning audience: children.

The New York Times - Books

"What I'm doing now," he said, "I'm aiming to please my grandfather".

The New York Times - Sports

As well as aiming to please the respective audiences, we hoped we might get a story out of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The counter folk, aiming to please, ladle jus on the bread, composing sandwiches that are moist and magnificently filling.

The New York Times - Food

But the City, which the chancellor was chiefly aiming to please, didn't mind: shares soared and long-term interest rates fell.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We aim to please.

The Guardian - Sport

He aimed to please.

The New York Times - Arts

I aim to please.

The Guardian - Sport

Blackwells aims to please.

The New York Times

Nor does she aim to please.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing customer service or hospitality contexts, use "aiming to please" to convey a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. For example: "Our staff is always "aiming to please", ensuring a memorable experience for every guest."

Common error

While acceptable, "aiming to please" can sound informal in highly formal or academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "striving for excellence" or "committed to customer satisfaction" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aiming to please" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, that modifies a noun or pronoun by describing the intention or purpose behind an action. It describes someone or something's current intention. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate to use in your writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Food

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Sport

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aiming to please" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the intention to satisfy or accommodate others. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing between "aiming to please" and more formal alternatives. The phrase sees frequent use in news, food, and opinion pieces. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively convey the intent to create a positive experience for others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to satisfy

A more direct and simple way of saying "aiming to please".

seeking to satisfy

Emphasizes the pursuit of satisfaction for others, with a slightly more formal tone.

working to accommodate

Stresses the effort to meet the needs or preferences of others.

hoping to satisfy

Expresses a desire to fulfill someone's needs or expectations, with a sense of anticipation.

striving for approval

Highlights the desire to gain acceptance or positive feedback.

desiring to accommodate

Highlights the wish to fulfill others' requirements.

intending to delight

Focuses on creating a joyful or pleasant experience for someone.

eager to gratify

Emphasizes enthusiasm and willingness to please.

endeavoring to gratify

A more formal and less common way of expressing the intention to please.

out to charm

Implies using personal appeal or charisma to win favor.

FAQs

How can I use "aiming to please" in a sentence?

"Aiming to please" is typically used to describe someone's intention to satisfy others. For example, "The company is "aiming to please" its customers by offering personalized services."

What can I say instead of "aiming to please"?

You can use alternatives like "trying to satisfy", "striving for approval", or "working to accommodate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "aiming to please" formal or informal?

"Aiming to please" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In very formal or academic writing, consider more professional alternatives.

What is the difference between "aiming to please" and "trying to impress"?

"Aiming to please" focuses on satisfying needs or desires, while "trying to impress" centers on creating a positive perception, often for personal gain or recognition.