aspired to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aspired to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a goal or ambition someone has. For example: "He aspired to be a successful lawyer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He aspired to be nothing else.

The Economist

I actually aspired to be a "chicken".

The New York Times - Magazine

Palestine aspired to be different.

The Guardian - Books

He aspired to be English.

The Guardian - Film

She aspired to be regal".

The Guardian

Another aspired to be a pilot.

The New York Times

I never aspired to be the CEO.

The Washington Post

Anushka aspired to be a robotics engineer.

The New York Times

I never aspired to be a teacher.

The Guardian - Opinion

I never aspired to be rich.

The New York Times

But Hurlbert aspired to be more than just a columnist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aspired to be", ensure the context clearly indicates a positive or admirable goal. The phrase implies a level of effort and commitment beyond mere desire.

Common error

Avoid using "aspired to be" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "wanted to be" or "hoped to be" are often more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aspired to be" functions as an infinitive phrase that often follows a noun or pronoun, expressing a subject's ambition or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys a sense of aspiration. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, such as someone aspiring to be a pilot or a robotics engineer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "aspired to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate ambition and a desire for a specific future state. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. Its use is widespread across various contexts, notably in News & Media, where it often describes individuals' goals and aspirations. While versatile, it is best employed in neutral to professional settings. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "wanted to be" might be more fitting. The examples provided demonstrate that "aspired to be" conveys a stronger sense of striving and ambition compared to simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought to be

Implies a determined effort to achieve a certain status or condition, with a more formal and deliberate tone than "aspired to be".

hoped to become

Suggests a wish for a future transformation, with a slightly less formal tone than "aspired to be".

aimed to be

Focuses on the intention and effort directed towards a specific goal, similar to "aspired to be" but with an emphasis on action.

intended to be

Highlights the planning and purpose behind a goal, suggesting a more concrete and definite aim than "aspired to be".

wanted to be

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a past desire, lacking the aspirational nuance of "aspired to be".

desired to be

A more formal and straightforward way of expressing a wish for a particular condition, lacking the subtle ambition suggested by "aspired to be".

wished to be

Similar to "wanted to be", but can also express a sense of regret for what could have been, which is not implied in "aspired to be".

dreamed of being

Expresses a longing or idealization of a future state, often associated with less practicality than "aspired to be".

yearned to be

Emphasizes a deep and passionate desire, similar to "longed to be", but with a potentially more intense emotional connection.

longed to be

Indicates a strong emotional desire for a particular state, carrying a sense of yearning that is not necessarily present in "aspired to be".

FAQs

How can I use "aspired to be" in a sentence?

You can use "aspired to be" to describe someone's ambition or long-term goal. For example, "She "aspired to be" a doctor since she was a child".

What are some alternatives to "aspired to be"?

Some alternatives include "hoped to become", "wanted to be", or "aimed to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "aspired to be" than "wanted to be"?

Yes, "aspired to be" generally carries a more formal tone and suggests a higher level of ambition and dedication compared to the simpler phrase "wanted to be".

Can "aspired to be" be used in the present tense?

While less common, you can use it in the present tense when describing a continuous aspiration. For example, "He "aspires to be" a leader in his field".