be aiming for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be aiming for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a goal or target that someone is trying to achieve. Example: "In this project, we should be aiming for a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what we should be aiming for.

The Guardian

"That's what we'll be aiming for".

Independent

"That's what zoos should be aiming for," she said.

The New York Times

Maybe it's something that all art should be aiming for.

The Guardian

But shouldn't we be aiming for more than that?

The Guardian - Opinion

Sri Lanka will be aiming for 180 minimum.

The Guardian - Sport

Mickelson will be aiming for his second consecutive major.

The New York Times

Surrey will be aiming for very tall total here.

The Guardian - Sport

And that's what actually we all should be aiming for.

The Guardian

But is this really what we should be aiming for?

The Guardian - Books

Next year we'll be aiming for another one".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be aiming for", ensure the context clearly defines the specific target or goal. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient details about what you are trying to achieve.

Common error

While "be aiming for" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "targeting" or "going for" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be aiming for" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating intention, purpose, and direction towards a specific goal. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it expresses what someone or something is intending to achieve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be aiming for" is a versatile and widely used modal verb phrase that expresses a goal or intention. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and common across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While simpler alternatives may exist for informal settings, "be aiming for" remains a solid choice for clearly indicating what someone or something is actively trying to achieve. Ensure the context clearly defines the target and consider the register when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work towards

This emphasizes the process and effort involved in reaching the goal, rather than just the goal itself.

strive towards

This alternative uses 'strive' which implies a strong effort towards a goal, making it slightly more emphatic than "be aiming for".

aspire to

This alternative suggests a higher level of ambition and desire, making it suitable for more aspirational goals.

target

This is a more direct and concise way of expressing the goal, lacking the continuous aspect of "be aiming for".

pursue

This is a more concise way of indicating the act of following or trying to achieve something.

intend to achieve

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the intention to accomplish the goal.

have as a goal

A simple and direct way to state a goal, lacking the dynamic sense of "be aiming for".

seek to attain

A more formal and sophisticated way to express pursuing a goal, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

plan to accomplish

This indicates a strategic approach to achieving the stated goal.

endeavor to reach

This alternative indicates a serious and determined effort to achieve a specific target.

FAQs

How can I use "be aiming for" in a sentence?

You can use "be aiming for" to describe a goal or target that someone or something is trying to achieve. For example, "The company should be aiming for sustainable growth" or "The team will be aiming for a victory in the next match".

What are some alternatives to "be aiming for"?

Some alternatives include "strive towards", "target", or "aspire to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be aimed for" instead of "be aiming for"?

While "be aimed for" is grammatically correct, it has a passive voice and implies that something is being targeted by someone else. "Be aiming for" is active and indicates the subject is actively pursuing a goal. The passive and active phrases don't mean the same and should be used in different contexts.

What's the difference between "be aiming for" and "be trying for"?

"Be aiming for" implies a strategic objective or planned goal. "Be trying for", on the other hand, generally refers to putting an effort toward something, which is broader and does not necessarily imply a specific goal.