aspire to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aspire to something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or ambition to achieve a particular goal or objective. Example: "She aspires to become a renowned author and share her stories with the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

We must aspire to something more.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Lao bai xing get to aspire to something more beautiful than anything they have ever known," Wu said.

The New Yorker

While it is not dishonorable to keep your rebate, you might aspire to something nobler than pass-fail ethics.

The New York Times - Magazine

And so on occasion, particularly if you have lived in Turkey as long as I have, you aspire to something different.

The New York Times

Smith Westerns, from Chicago, does it better than most, in large part because it seems to aspire to something altogether different.

The New York Times - Arts

Money-changers sit at the base of a banana tree accosting visitors.In this section Stretching the threads 106 ways to annoy ReprintsBoth frontier towns aspire to something better.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

He wrote that he aspired to "something loftier".

The New York Times - Books

Pie might be served inside, but this cafe aspired to something more.

The New York Times - Magazine

She aspired to something more artistic, but found she couldn't draw.

The Economist

He writes songs on the side, but aspires to something greater.

Independent

She aspired to something that resembled a site for a software-as-a-service company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aspire to something", ensure that the 'something' is a clearly defined and achievable goal. This provides a sense of direction and purpose to the aspiration.

Common error

Avoid using "aspire to something" with an undefined or overly broad object. Saying you "aspire to greatness" is less effective than saying you "aspire to become a leading researcher in your field".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aspire to something" functions as a verb phrase, where 'aspire' is the main verb expressing a strong desire or ambition, and 'to something' indicates the object or goal of that aspiration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aspire to something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that conveys a strong desire or ambition to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While widely accepted, it's important to use the phrase with a clearly defined object to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "strive for something" or "aim for something" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Thus, understanding these nuances can help in precisely conveying your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for something

Focuses on the effort and struggle involved in pursuing a goal.

aim for something

Highlights the intention and direction of one's efforts.

desire something

Emphasizes a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.

yearn for something

Implies a deep longing and persistent desire for something.

long for something

Similar to "yearn for", but may suggest a sense of sadness or nostalgia.

seek something

Indicates an active pursuit or search for something.

pursue something

Suggests a dedicated and sustained effort to achieve something.

reach for something

Conveys a sense of stretching oneself to attain a challenging goal.

have ambitions for something

Directly states that someone has goals or desires related to something.

set one's sights on something

Implies a firm determination to achieve a particular goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "aspire to something" to express a desire to achieve a specific goal. For example, "Many young entrepreneurs "aspire to something" greater than financial success, such as making a positive impact on the world".

What are some alternatives to "aspire to something"?

Alternatives include "strive for something", "aim for something", or "desire something". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "aspire to something" or "aspire for something"?

"Aspire to something" is the correct and more commonly used form. "Aspire for something" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "aspire to something" and "dream of something"?

"Aspire to something" implies a more active and determined pursuit of a goal, while "dream of something" suggests a more passive and imaginative longing. When you "aspire to something", you are actively working towards it; when you dream, you are simply imagining it.