aspire to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aspire to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "aspire to" when you want to express the desire to achieve or accomplish something. Example: I aspire to one day become CEO of a major company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they aspire to".

The New York Times

"We aspire to inspire.

Independent

"They aspire to have one".

The New York Times

"Let's aspire to 60 hours".

The New York Times

"We aspire to get there.

The New York Times - Sports

Labour is against all I aspire to.

Independent

I aspire to do what he does".

Independent

Because we aspire to greater things.

The New York Times - Books

But we aspire to get it right".

Independent

Aspire to radiant luminosity or incandescent iridescence?

The New York Times

Only Iraq could aspire to such growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aspire to", ensure that the object of aspiration is clearly defined and aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "aspire to" for mundane or easily achievable goals. It's best reserved for expressing a desire for something substantial or aspirational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aspire to" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a strong desire or ambition to achieve something. It's typically followed by a verb in its base form (e.g., "aspire to be") or a noun phrase. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aspire to" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a strong desire or ambition. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's best reserved for expressing significant or aspirational goals, as using it for trivial objectives can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "aim to" or "strive to" for goals that are more practical or emphasize effort. Remember to always use "aspire to" followed by a verb or a noun phrase to clearly express your intended aspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to

Similar to "aspire to" but often implies a more practical or achievable goal.

have ambitions to

Highlights the presence of strong goals and a desire for success.

strive to

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in reaching a goal.

seek to

Focuses on the act of searching or pursuing a particular objective.

intend to

Suggests a firm plan or intention to do something.

desire to

Highlights the longing or yearning for something.

wish to

A more polite or formal way of expressing a desire.

hope to

Suggests a wish or expectation that something will happen, with less emphasis on active effort.

long to

Conveys a deep and intense yearning.

dream of

Implies a more fanciful or idealistic aspiration.

FAQs

How to use "aspire to" in a sentence?

Use "aspire to" to express a strong desire or ambition. For example, "I "aspire to" become a doctor" or "They "aspire to" create a better world".

What can I say instead of "aspire to"?

You can use alternatives like "aim to", "strive to", or "desire to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "aspire to" or "aspire for"?

"Aspire to" is the correct and more common usage. "Aspire for" is less frequent and can sound awkward. Always use "aspire to" followed by a verb or noun phrase.

What's the difference between "aspire to" and "hope to"?

"Aspire to" implies a strong desire and ambition, while "hope to" suggests a wish or expectation with less emphasis on active effort. "Aspire to" is more formal and conveys a greater sense of purpose.