aspiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aspiring" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has ambitions or hopes to achieve a particular goal, often in a professional or creative context. Example: "She is an aspiring writer, working diligently on her first novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When interviewed, aspiring journalists with disabilities said the issues that concerned them most were: whether or not to disclose their disability in a covering letter with their CV; if they had the right image for the employer; and whether or not the disability would affect their ability, or perceived ability, to perform a task.

The Guardian

One happens to be doing well in their career, the other is young and aspiring.

The Guardian

The AMPION bus travels around the continent, picking up aspiring entrepreneurs to work with international startup and early-stage investment experts on the bus.

The Guardian - Tech

Often, it has appeared to the public as if Lucas is the Green party, but in 2012, she announced she was standing down as leader, "in order to broaden opportunities for the range of talent in the party and to raise the profiles of others aspiring to election".

The Guardian

"Any young, aspiring manager with ambition would be interested in a job like that.

The Guardian - Sport

Known by the nickname Thunder Thumbs, in the 80s he also made instructional videos on slap bass that remain set texts for aspiring bass players.

The Guardian - Music

They met, both aged 27, he an aspiring poet, she an aspiring actor.

The Guardian - Books

The abuse reduced in intensity after the show finished in late November but the 28-year-old high school teacher and aspiring stand-up comedian from South Australia says some users continue to post graphic images and make racist, sexist and Islamophobic remarks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But that doesn't stop Nuno describing him as a "genius", integral to the success of the side aspiring to be Spain's third force.

The Guardian - Sport

For businesses to remain competitive in the global economy, they must break down barriers and attract aspiring female leaders.

The Guardian

And Julie Walters, in an interview with the Sunday Times, contrasted her youth with that of aspiring actors today.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the term with a specific profession or area of interest to provide clarity. For example, "aspiring musician", "aspiring entrepreneur", or "aspiring leader".

Common error

Avoid using "aspiring" to describe someone who has already achieved their goal. The term implies a future intention, not a past accomplishment. For example, don't say "aspiring doctor" if the person is already a practicing physician.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aspiring" is that of an adjective, modifying nouns to describe individuals who are currently pursuing a goal or ambition. It indicates a state of actively working towards something, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "aspiring" functions as an adjective to describe someone actively pursuing a goal, as stated by Ludwig AI. It carries a neutral tone and is commonly found in news and media, formal business contexts, and general discourse. Related terms include "ambitious", "hopeful", and "striving", each offering a nuanced emphasis. When writing, ensure "aspiring" is used to describe ongoing efforts, not completed achievements. Remember that Ludwig can help you find more examples of its usage and clarify its meaning in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambitious

Focuses more on the drive and determination to succeed.

hopeful

Emphasizes optimism and expectation of achieving a goal.

striving

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in pursuing a goal.

wannabe

Informal term indicating a desire to be something or someone else.

would-be

Describes someone who intends or desires to be something.

prospective

Focuses on the potential for future achievement.

intending

Highlights the plan or intention to achieve something.

endeavoring

Formal term emphasizing the effort and attempt to achieve a goal.

seeking to be

Emphasizes the act of looking or searching to become something.

aiming to be

Highlights the direction and target of one's ambitions.

FAQs

How do I use "aspiring" in a sentence?

Use "aspiring" to describe someone who is hoping or trying to become something, especially in a professional field. For example, "She is an "aspiring writer" working on her first novel".

What can I say instead of "aspiring"?

You can use alternatives like "ambitious", "hopeful", or "striving" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "aspiring actor" or "inspiring actor"?

"Aspiring actor" is used to describe someone who is trying to become an actor. "Inspiring actor" describes an actor who motivates or encourages others. They have very different meanings.

What's the difference between "aspiring" and "prospective"?

"Aspiring" implies a desire and active effort to achieve a goal, while "prospective" suggests potential or likelihood in the future. An "aspiring artist" is actively trying to become an artist, while a "prospective artist" has the potential to become one.