aspire to prominence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aspire to prominence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ambition or desire to achieve a notable or distinguished status in a particular field or area. Example: "Many young artists aspire to prominence in the competitive world of contemporary art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These have been joined by shows in emerging markets that aspire to prominence — in Australia, China, India and the Middle East.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Foy, an occasional preacher at a small Pentecostal church he attends in Brooklyn, once told Mr. de Blasio that he aspired to be "a progressive version of a Ralph Reed," the conservative who brought the Christian Coalition to prominence in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Theirs was an unusual path to prominence.

Independent

A new idea has come to prominence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Broadcast news would return to prominence.

The New York Times

It came to prominence in the late 1980s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two philosophies rose to prominence in America.

SEP

Came to prominence out of the blue.

Huffington Post

Yiannopoulos rose to prominence via Gamergate.

Huffington Post

But they aspire to".

The New York Times

"We aspire to inspire.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aspire to prominence" when you want to convey a strong desire to achieve a recognized and respected position within a specific field or industry. For instance, "Many young entrepreneurs "aspire to prominence" in the tech industry."

Common error

Avoid using "aspire to prominence" when a more modest or general goal is intended. For example, if someone simply wants to improve their skills, saying they "aspire to prominence" might sound overly ambitious or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aspire to prominence" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong desire or ambition. It connects the act of aspiring with the goal of achieving a distinguished position. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing ambitions within specific fields or markets.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aspire to prominence" is a phrase used to express a strong desire for recognition and a leading position in a field. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with a genuine ambition for recognition, as overusing it may sound pretentious. Alternatives such as "seek distinction" or "strive for eminence" may provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek distinction

Focuses on actively pursuing a state of being recognized for excellence.

aim for recognition

Highlights the act of setting recognition as a goal.

strive for eminence

Emphasizes the effort and ambition involved in reaching a high rank.

pursue a high profile

Indicates an active attempt to gain public attention and recognition.

desire widespread acclaim

Specifies the longing for public approval and praise on a broad scale.

reach for the top

Implies aiming for the highest position or level of success.

seek a leading position

Focuses on obtaining a position of leadership or influence.

aspire to leadership

Specifically aims for a role of guiding and directing others.

endeavor to excel

Highlights the effort to perform exceptionally well.

rise to the top

Suggests a natural progression to the highest level.

FAQs

How can I use "aspire to prominence" in a sentence?

Use "aspire to prominence" when describing someone's ambition to achieve significant recognition or a leading position in their field. For example, "Emerging artists often "aspire to prominence" through dedication and innovation."

What are some alternatives to "aspire to prominence"?

You can use alternatives like "seek distinction", "strive for eminence", or "aim for recognition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "aspire to prominence" in formal writing?

Yes, "aspire to prominence" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a clear and professional tone when discussing ambition and achievement.

What's the difference between "aspire to prominence" and "aspire to success"?

"Aspire to prominence" specifically implies aiming for a recognized and leading position, while "aspire to success" is a broader term that encompasses any desired achievement, not necessarily involving public recognition.