be aimed at

USAGE SUMMARY

"be aimed at" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a goal or action that focuses on a particular person, group, or outcome. For example, "The document was aimed at people who are considering switching to a vegan diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This has to be aimed at them".

The New Yorker

It will be aimed at people aged 18 to 22.

The Guardian

Part of it will be aimed at middle schools.

The New York Times

The reference seemed to be aimed at Governor Bush.

The New York Times

He'll have to be aimed at those big handicaps now.

The Guardian - Sport

That's an accusation that could never be aimed at James.

The Guardian - Books

They must be aimed at a unique audience.

The Guardian - Music

The first blast appeared to be aimed at a bus.

The New York Times

It will be aimed at gay men worldwide.

The Economist

Jakkalberry will now be aimed at the Melbourne Cup.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Information architecture may also be aimed at a specific audience.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be aimed at" when specifying the intended recipient or purpose of an action, product, or message. This clarifies the target and helps ensure effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "be aimed at" in active voice constructions. Ensure the subject is the recipient, not the initiator, to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be aimed at" functions as a passive construction indicating the intended target or recipient of an action, plan, or product. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage. Examples show it describing who something is intended for, like "It will be aimed at gay men worldwide."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be aimed at" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to specify the intended target or recipient of an action, plan, or product. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. It serves to clarify the focus and purpose of initiatives, marketing campaigns, and research studies. While versatile, it's important to maintain proper passive voice construction. Alternatives include phrases like "be targeted toward" and "be directed at", offering similar meanings with slight nuances. Remember to use "be aimed at" when the emphasis is on the receiver or target of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be targeted toward

Changes the preposition to "toward", emphasizing directionality.

be directed at

Replaces "aimed" with "directed", indicating a more controlled focus.

be geared toward

Uses "geared" to suggest preparation and suitability for a specific purpose.

be designed for

Focuses on the intended purpose and design of something.

be intended for

Highlights the intention behind the targeting.

cater to

Indicates providing something that is needed or desired by a particular group.

focus on

Shifts the emphasis to concentration and attention on a specific subject.

target

Uses a more concise, active verb to indicate directing efforts.

address

Suggests dealing with or focusing on a particular issue or group.

reach out to

Indicates an effort to connect with and include a specific group or audience.

FAQs

How to use "be aimed at" in a sentence?

Use "be aimed at" to indicate the target or intended recipient of something. For example, "The marketing campaign will "be geared toward" young adults" shows who the campaign is designed to reach.

What can I say instead of "be aimed at"?

You can use alternatives like "be directed at", "be targeted toward", or "be designed for" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be aimed at" or "aim at"?

"Be aimed at" is a passive construction, while "aim at" is active. Use "be aimed at" when the focus is on the recipient. For example, "The program is "be intended for" seniors". Use "aim at" when the focus is on the actor. For example, "We aim at improving customer satisfaction".

What's the difference between "be aimed at" and "target"?

"Be aimed at" is typically used in a passive voice, focusing on what is being targeted. "Target" is an active verb, focusing on the act of targeting. For example, "The study is "be geared toward" understanding climate change" versus "Researchers target specific genes in their study".