has aspired to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has aspired to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or ambition to achieve something in the past or present. Example: "She has aspired to become a renowned artist since childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Yoga has aspired to feelings of peace, wellbeing and 'oneness' with the universe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You might say that the N.Y.P.D. has aspired to become a Council on Foreign Relations with guns".

The New Yorker

If you do, you will be carrying forward the spirit of Princeton and all that this place has aspired to teach you.

Princeton University

When he came to the European Union, an organization that Turkey has aspired to join for forty-nine years, he practically shouted into the microphone.

The New Yorker

During Mr. Ebrard's six-year term, this city has aspired to be a progressive New World capital, legalizing abortion and approving same-sex marriage.

The New York Times

Since its acquisition by Geely, Volvo has aspired to become the dominant luxury player in China, a position held by Audi.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Despite this training, Marshall had aspired to become a dentist.

The New York Times

He had aspired to one day be ambassador there.

The Washington Post

Artists have aspired to simulate human life since ancient times.

The Guardian - Arts

I'd aspired to that goal, and I got the title that I had aspired to.

Harvard University

He, too, had aspired to write revelatory stories about the inner workings of the I.S.I.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has aspired to" to describe long-term goals or ambitions, especially when discussing institutions or organizations. For instance, "The company "has aspired to" become a market leader since its inception."

Common error

Avoid using "has aspired to" when the goal has already been fully achieved. Instead, use past tense verbs like 'achieved' or 'attained'. For example, instead of 'She "has aspired to" be a doctor and now she is', say 'She achieved her aspiration of becoming a doctor'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has aspired to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past or present ambition or strong desire. Ludwig examples show its use in describing goals of individuals, organizations, and even nations. It often introduces a desired state or achievement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has aspired to" is a versatile verb phrase used to express ambition and long-term goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in news and academic writing. When using this phrase, consider the nuance you wish to convey and avoid confusing aspiration with actual achievement. Alternatives like "has sought to" or "has aimed to" can offer subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has sought to

Focuses on the active pursuit of a goal, rather than just the aspiration.

has aimed to

Emphasizes a specific target or objective.

has intended to

Highlights the planned or purposed nature of an action.

has hoped to

Implies a wishful desire with a degree of uncertainty.

has wished to

Suggests a longing or yearning, often for something difficult to achieve.

has desired to

Indicates a strong feeling of wanting something.

has longed to

Conveys a deep and persistent yearning.

has striven to

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in pursuing a goal.

has endeavored to

Emphasizes the attempt to achieve something, often with diligence.

has set out to

Focuses on the initial action of starting a journey towards a goal.

FAQs

What does "has aspired to" mean?

The phrase "has aspired to" means to have had a strong desire or ambition to achieve something. It suggests a goal that someone has been striving for.

How do I use "has aspired to" in a sentence?

You can use "has aspired to" to describe a past or present ambition. For example, "The university "has aspired to" become a leading research institution.".

What are some alternatives to "has aspired to"?

Alternatives include "has sought to", "has aimed to", or "has hoped to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "had aspired to" instead of "has aspired to"?

Yes, "had aspired to" is correct when referring to an ambition that existed in the past but may no longer be relevant. "Has aspired to" refers to an ambition that is still current.