chief aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary goal or objective of a person or organization. Example: "The chief aim of our project is to improve community engagement and foster collaboration among local residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Balancing the books is his chief aim.

The Economist

Their chief aim was to train government officials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Concentrate all of your efforts on one definite chief aim".

Independent

Mr Paulson's chief aim is to streamline the system.

The Economist

The chief aim of NGOs should be their own abolition.

The Economist

For the first four years, the chief aim would be perfecting reading, in all these ways.

Harvard University

The party's chief aim was to get the Taff Vale judgment of 1901 repealed.

The Guardian

First, both parties' chief aim is to win elections, not solve problems.

The Washington Post

Instead, a chief aim was to build political support for a tough American policy against Iraq.

The New York Times

Their chief characteristic – their chief aim, almost – is to resemble works by Marlene Dumas.

The Guardian - Arts

But Sontag's chief aim was to "represent a condition, rather than an action".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief aim", ensure that it clearly reflects the most important objective. Avoid ambiguity by stating the aim explicitly after the phrase. For example, 'The chief aim of this project is to improve community engagement.'

Common error

Don't confuse "chief aim" with secondary goals. The "chief aim" should represent the overarching objective; secondary goals support the "chief aim" but are not the "chief aim" themselves. Clearly differentiate between primary and supporting objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief aim" functions as a noun phrase identifying the primary objective or purpose. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable, as evidenced by its presence in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chief aim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting the primary objective or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. When using "chief aim", ensure it accurately reflects the most critical objective and avoid confusing it with secondary goals. Alternatives such as "main objective" or "primary goal" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember that effective communication involves clarity and precision in conveying the "chief aim", making it readily understandable to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main objective

Focuses on the objective rather than the intention, similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

primary goal

Highlights the goal as being first in importance, akin to "chief aim" but more direct.

principal purpose

Emphasizes the purpose as the main reason for something, offering a slightly more formal tone.

essential aim

Underscores the necessity of the aim, providing a slightly stronger emphasis on importance.

central focus

Indicates the core element around which efforts are concentrated, less about intention, more about importance.

core objective

Highlights the fundamental nature of the objective, similar to "chief aim" but potentially more strategic.

overriding concern

Suggests a concern that takes precedence over others, changing the focus to a potential problem.

key intention

Focuses on the intention as being vital, slightly different in nuance but comparable in context.

supreme objective

Emphasizes the objective as being the highest in rank or importance, which adds a sense of hierarchy.

ultimate goal

Highlights the goal as the final or most desired outcome, adding an element of finality.

FAQs

How can I use "chief aim" in a sentence?

You can use "chief aim" to introduce the most important objective or purpose of an action, project, or organization. For example, "The "chief aim" of this study is to identify effective treatments for the disease."

What are some alternatives to "chief aim"?

Alternatives to "chief aim" include "main objective", "primary goal", or "principal purpose". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "chief aim" or "main aim"?

"Chief aim" and "main aim" are quite similar, but "chief" suggests a higher level of importance or dominance compared to "main". Choose "chief" when you want to emphasize that this aim is the most significant one.

What's the difference between "chief aim" and "ultimate goal"?

While both refer to objectives, "chief aim" usually describes the immediate or primary intention, whereas "ultimate goal" refers to the final, long-term outcome. The "chief aim" might be a step towards achieving the "ultimate goal".