ambition to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambition to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or goal to achieve a certain status or role in the future. Example: "Her ambition to be a successful author drives her to write every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no ambition to be thorough.

The Guardian

It wasn't everybody's ambition to be famous.

The Guardian - Film

"I've never had that burning ambition to be a manager.

Independent

I didn't have any ambition to be a "novelist".

The New Yorker

Where is the ambition to be the best?

The Guardian

I'd had this burning ambition to be a film editor.

The Guardian - Books

Hayman always had a "boyhood ambition" to be a journalist.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wasn't my childhood ambition to be a teacher.

The Guardian

"It's this intrinsic, circular ambition to be happy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had no great ambition to be a writer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was it a longstanding ambition to be a broadcaster?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambition to be" when you want to emphasize a strong desire and determination to achieve a specific role, status, or quality. It's suitable when portraying someone's life goals or a company's strategic direction.

Common error

Avoid using "ambition to be" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "want to be" or "hope to be" may sound more natural and less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambition to be" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive. The noun "ambition" acts as the subject, while the infinitive phrase "to be" specifies the desired state or role. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambition to be" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a strong desire or goal. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing someone's aims, life goals, or an organization's strategic direction. While versatile, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives like "want to be" in informal settings. The phrase frequently appears in news, business, and academic contexts, reflecting its broad applicability and neutral tone. Ludwig's examples provide a comprehensive overview of its usage across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiration to become

Switches from the infinitive "to be" to "to become", emphasizing the process of transformation.

desire to be

Replaces "ambition" with "desire", focusing on the emotional aspect of wanting something.

goal to be

Substitutes "ambition" with "goal", highlighting the objective that is aimed for.

aim to be

Uses "aim" instead of "ambition", suggesting a planned direction or intention.

yearning to be

Emphasizes a deep longing, replacing ambition with a more emotional term.

intention to be

Focuses on the planned aspect of ambition, highlighting a determined course of action.

determination to be

Stresses the firm decision and resolve behind the ambition.

pretension to be

Suggests a claim or aspiration that may not be entirely justified or realistic.

drive to be

Highlights the internal force that motivates the ambition.

longing to be

Implies a wistful or sentimental desire, slightly less assertive than "ambition".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ambition to be"?

You can use alternatives such as "desire to be", "goal to be", or "aspiration to become" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ambition of being" instead of "ambition to be"?

While "ambition of being" isn't grammatically incorrect, "ambition to be" is the more standard and commonly used phrasing. The infinitive form typically follows "ambition" in this context.

What's the difference between "ambition to be" and "desire to be"?

"Ambition" implies a stronger drive and determination for achievement, while "desire to be" suggests a more general wanting or wishing. The first suggests a structured approach for success. For example: His desire to be a pilot was strong, but he did not have the ambition.

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

Use "ambition to be" when describing someone's aim or goal for the future. For example, "Her ambition to be a doctor motivated her through years of study."