great aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or ambitious goal that someone is striving to achieve. Example: "Her great aim in life is to promote environmental sustainability and make a positive impact on the planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Portugal has succeeded in its great aim," said Ronaldo, the man of the match.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not sure organic is totally achievable, but it is a great aim.

Independent

But it's always been a great aim since I've been here, to play for England".

Independent

The great aim was a restoration of the prewar gold standard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The great aim of Theodoric's administration was to preserve harmony between Goths and Romans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He saw himself as an enabler, quoting Herbert Spencer: "The great aim of education is not knowledge but action".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

One of the great aims of modern physics has been to generate these Higgs particles.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of his great aims is to secure a reconciliation between Islam and Christianity.

The Guardian

Colorblind equality under the law for all humankind, without regard to race, color, creed or national origin, should be one of the great aims of 21st-century democracy.

The New York Times

Our great aims cannot be achieved overnight – but our demands for "bread" and "social justice" can be helped along by some measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever his greater aim for this new narrative, Ford looks set to carry it out.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great aim", ensure the context clearly establishes the importance and ambition of the goal being described. This phrase is most effective when the aim is truly significant.

Common error

Avoid using "great aim" for trivial or minor objectives. Reserve this phrase for goals that are genuinely ambitious and impactful to prevent sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great aim" functions as a noun phrase, where "great" modifies the noun "aim". It denotes a significant objective or purpose, functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great aim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a significant objective or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's found across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context reflects the true importance of the goal to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "major goal" or "grand ambition" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major goal

Replaces "aim" with "goal", suggesting a primary objective.

primary objective

Substitutes both "great" and "aim" to emphasize the main purpose.

chief objective

Similar to "primary objective" but with a stronger emphasis on ranking.

grand ambition

Replaces "great aim" with a phrase that conveys a high level of aspiration.

lofty aspiration

Emphasizes the elevated nature of the goal.

noble purpose

Highlights the moral or ethical dimension of the goal.

significant objective

Focuses on the importance of the objective.

paramount goal

Indicates that the goal is of the utmost importance.

ultimate ambition

Highlights the final or most significant ambition.

overarching objective

Suggests a broad, encompassing objective that guides other actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "great aim" to describe a significant or ambitious goal that someone or something is trying to achieve. For example: "His "great aim" was to promote world peace".

What are some alternatives to "great aim"?

Alternatives to "great aim" include phrases like "major goal", "primary objective", or "grand ambition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great aim" in formal writing?

Yes, "great aim" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a serious and important objective. However, consider whether a more specific or nuanced phrase might be more effective.

What is the difference between "great aim" and "greater aim"?

"Great aim" refers to a significant goal, while "greater aim" suggests a more encompassing or important objective compared to others. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the significance of the aim itself or comparing it to other aims.