chief ambition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief ambition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's primary goal or aspiration in life or a specific context. Example: "Her chief ambition is to become a renowned author and inspire others through her writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"My opponent's chief ambition is to hold public office," she said.

The New York Times

The party's chief ambition, now that it has abandoned Marxism, seems to be the maintenance of its own power.

The Economist

The court faulted Mr. Painter for holding as his chief ambition the wish to become a freelance writer.

The New Yorker

I was the only child at the table, and my chief ambition was to somehow be 35.

The New York Times - Magazine

Grumbach's chief ambition, however, was to become owner of his lands, which he held in fief from the bishops of Würzburg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But on July 29th, after nine days of negotiations, the mix turned gloopy once again.From the start, the round's chief ambition was to straighten out some of the kinks in agricultural trade.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

No wonder that he later tells me that one of his chief ambitions is to help bring better stage and studio equipment to Mali, so that local bands are less reliant on making it abroad.

The Guardian - Music

Michel Platini warned the IFA recently that Mr. Rajoub, a former Palestinian security chief with presidential ambitions who also heads the Palestine National Olympic Committee, planned to not only petition FIFA but also UEFA, the European soccer body that Mr. Platini heads.

Huffington Post

Bloomberg New Energy Finance's Americas chief, Ethan Zindler, said the ambition was high, but within reach.

The Guardian

Ryszard Tomaszewski, Tesco Polska's chief executive, said: "Our ambition is clear: we want to be number one".

The Guardian - Business

Marks & Spencer's share price is 13% lower than it was last weekend and its new chief executive finds his ambition to "cherish Mrs M&S" derided as patronising waffle.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "chief ambition", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a long-term life goal or a more immediate, specific objective.

Common error

Avoid using "chief ambition" when describing minor preferences or fleeting interests. This phrase implies a deeply held, significant goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief ambition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the primary or most important goal or aspiration that someone or something is striving to achieve. Ludwig examples show its use in describing personal goals, organizational objectives, and even historical trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief ambition" is a noun phrase used to describe the primary goal or aspiration of an individual or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is appropriate for the significance of the goal being described. Alternatives such as "primary aspiration" or "main objective" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary aspiration

Focuses on the aspirational aspect of the main goal.

main objective

Highlights the key goal to be achieved.

principal aim

Emphasizes the core intention or purpose.

foremost goal

Stresses the priority of the objective.

ultimate objective

Implies the final or most important goal.

overriding ambition

Suggests that the ambition is dominant and surpasses other considerations.

central goal

Emphasizes the importance of the goal to the person.

primary focus

Indicates the main area of concentration or effort.

driving force

Highlights the ambition that motivates action.

supreme aspiration

Elevates the aspiration to the highest level.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief ambition" to describe someone's main goal or aspiration. For example, "Her "chief ambition" is to become a doctor and help people".

What can I say instead of "chief ambition"?

You can use alternatives like "primary aspiration", "main objective", or "principal aim" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "chief ambition" or "main ambition"?

Both "chief ambition" and "main ambition" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Chief ambition" often suggests a goal of greater significance.

What's the difference between "chief ambition" and "greatest desire"?

"Chief ambition" implies a proactive goal one is actively working towards, while "greatest desire" can be a more passive longing or wish.