first aim

USAGE SUMMARY

"first aim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the primary goal or purpose of something. For example, "The first aim of the project is to reduce energy consumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the first aim, it succeeds admirably.

The Economist

In his first aim he largely succeeded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their first aim had been to survive.

The Guardian

Disarmament is today the first aim of our diplomacy.

The New Yorker

Our first aim was to find a studio.

The New York Times

But it does offer fresh insight into the first aim.

The New York Times - Books

We have shown our intent in selection but the first aim is to win the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Provocation isn't the first aim of Creed's art - nor, I'd suggest, of much worthwhile art today.

The Guardian - Arts

Van Commenee said his first aim is to "secure the medals" the team have won.

The Guardian - Sport

So far, it has succeeded in the first aim and backfired on the second.

The New Yorker

Gardiner's first aim was to put this most learned of composers in context.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a project or strategy, use "first aim" to clearly define the most immediate goal to provide focus and direction.

Common error

Avoid using "first aim" when describing a long-term, overarching objective. "First aim" should refer to the initial, more immediate target within a larger plan; for the overall ambition, use "ultimate goal" or "long-term objective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first aim" functions primarily as a noun phrase that specifies the initial objective or goal in a sequence of actions or objectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first aim" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the initial goal or objective in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it is widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "primary objective" or "initial goal" exist, "first aim" effectively conveys the temporal priority. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately represents the starting point towards a larger objective, avoiding confusion with the ultimate goal. Remember to use "first aim" to focus on the immediate target within a broader plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary objective

Emphasizes the main goal more directly using "objective" instead of "aim".

initial goal

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the goal being at the beginning.

main purpose

Highlights the reason for doing something, replacing "aim" with "purpose".

key objective

Stresses the importance of the objective.

principal aim

Uses a more formal synonym for "first" to indicate the most important aim.

foremost goal

Stresses the priority of the goal.

top priority

Highlights the importance and urgency of the goal, differing slightly from a simple aim.

initial target

Replaces "goal" with "target", implying something specific to be achieved.

starting point

Focuses on the beginning of a process or plan rather than the intended outcome.

basic intent

Highlights the underlying reason or intention.

FAQs

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

You can use "first aim" to introduce the primary objective in a series of goals. For example, "Our "first aim" is to secure funding, followed by assembling a team and developing the product."

What's a good substitute for "first aim"?

Alternatives to "first aim" include "primary objective", "initial goal", or "main purpose". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "first aim" or "primary aim"?

Both "first aim" and "primary aim" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "First aim" highlights the temporal order, while "primary aim" emphasizes the importance or priority. Choose the one that better fits the context.

How does "first aim" differ from "overall objective"?

"First aim" refers to an immediate or initial goal, whereas "overall objective" describes the ultimate or long-term target. The "overall objective" provides the overarching direction, and the "first aim" is the initial step towards achieving it.