aspires to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"aspires to be" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the present tense to indicate that a person or entity is striving to reach a particular goal. For example: "Alice aspires to be a successful entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sports, though, aspires to be rigorously proceduralistic.

The New Yorker

China aspires to be a superpower.

The New York Times

Not everyone aspires to be in management.

The New York Times

In basketball, Harvard aspires to be Vanderbilt.

The New York Times - Sports

Our heroine aspires to Be Cute.

The New York Times

Rothko's art aspires to be tragic.

The Guardian - Arts

No one aspires to be average".

The New York Times - Sports

once was and aspires to be again.

The New York Times - Sports

This is what everybody aspires to be.

The New York Times - Sports

This book never aspires to be pious or politically correct.

The New York Times - Books

Nobody aspires to be average – society won't let us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aspires to be", clarify the specific qualities or achievements associated with the aspired state to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "aspires to be" for trivial or easily achievable goals. This phrase suggests a significant level of effort and ambition; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aspires to be" functions as a verb phrase expressing a desire or ambition to achieve a certain state or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is typically used in the present tense to indicate a goal someone is striving towards. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate usage across a range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aspires to be" is a frequently used phrase that effectively conveys ambition and the pursuit of a specific goal. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It's versatility is demonstrated by its use in news, formal and business, and scientific contexts. Remember to use it to describe goals that take time and effort, and to avoid using it for trivially easy objectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strives to be

Highlights the dedication and hard work involved in pursuing a goal.

aims to become

Focuses on the intention to transform into something different.

seeks to be

Indicates a proactive search for a particular state or identity.

hopes to be

Expresses optimism and anticipation in achieving a goal.

endeavors to be

Emphasizes effort and persistence in achieving a goal.

intends to be

Suggests a firm plan or decision to achieve a specific outcome.

desires to be

Highlights the strong wish or longing for a particular state.

wants to be

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing aspiration.

plans to be

Implies a strategic approach and preparation for achieving a goal.

dreams of being

Focuses on a vision or ideal that one hopes to realize.

FAQs

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

Use "aspires to be" to describe someone or something that is actively working towards a specific goal or state. For example: "She aspires to be a successful doctor."

What are some alternatives to "aspires to be"?

You can use alternatives like "strives to be", "aims to be", or "hopes to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "aspires to becoming" instead of "aspires to be"?

While "aspires to be" is more common, "aspires to becoming" can also be correct, though it often implies a gradual process of transformation. It depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "aspires to be" and "wants to be"?

"Aspires to be" suggests a higher level of ambition and dedication than "wants to be". The former implies a conscious effort towards a challenging goal, while the latter can simply express a desire.