he aims at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he aims at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express someone's intention or goal regarding a particular target or objective. Example: "He aims at improving his skills in order to advance his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Mostly he aims at the outside corner against right-handed batters, flopping changeups low and away.

The New York Times - Sports

Above all, he aims at the core of the problem, the ever-rising cost of health care for the elderly.In this section 70 or bust!

The Economist

For the rest of the novel, he aims at some kind of narrative coherence, but Vila-Matas keeps steering him back toward nothingness.

The New Yorker

The answers are his, not science's, and they rely on interpretations and synthetic arguments, the more persuasive when he aims at less sweeping conclusions.

The New York Times - Books

The president has so far been insistent, the official said, that the barbs he aims at Mr. Kerry are softened with humor.

The New York Times

Wyatt Earp is good in a gunfight – he's brave and generally hits what he aims at – but he's not a gunfighter in the classic sense.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He aimed at the fringes".

The New Yorker

He aimed at me.

The Guardian - Books

What he aimed at was psychological accuracy.

The Guardian - Arts

He aimed at the Lexington & blinked hello.

The New Yorker

He aimed at becoming a filmmaker or a photographer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he aims at", ensure that the object of the preposition "at" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it is a tangible target or an abstract goal.

Common error

Avoid using "he aims at" when the intention is merely to 'look' or 'point' in a direction without a purposeful intent. For example, use "he pointed the gun at" rather than "he aims at the building" if the action is simply directional and not necessarily targeted for impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he aims at" functions as a verb phrase expressing intention or purpose. It connects a subject (he) with a specific target or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he aims at" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone's intention or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is versatile enough for various contexts, though particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. When writing with this phrase, clarity is essential: ensure the target of the aim is well-defined. While alternatives like "he is targeting" or "he intends to" exist, the specific nuance of each should be considered for optimal precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is targeting

Focuses on a specific objective or goal, emphasizing a direct action towards it.

he is striving for

Implies a dedicated and continuous effort to achieve a particular outcome.

he is pursuing

Highlights the active and ongoing pursuit of a goal or ambition.

he is endeavoring to

Suggests a serious and determined attempt to accomplish something.

he intends to

Focuses on the planned or purposed action, showcasing a clear intent.

he is working towards

Emphasizes the effort being put into achieving a future goal.

he is seeking

Highlights the act of searching or trying to obtain something.

he has set his sights on

Indicates a deliberate and focused decision to pursue a specific goal.

he is directing his efforts towards

Highlights the allocation of resources and energy towards a particular aim.

he aspires to

Expresses a strong desire or ambition to achieve a high-level goal.

FAQs

How can I use "he aims at" in a sentence?

You can use "he aims at" to describe someone's goal or intention. For example, "He aims at becoming a successful entrepreneur" or "He aims at improving his fitness level".

What are some alternatives to "he aims at"?

Some alternatives include "he is targeting", "he is striving for", or "he intends to", depending on the context.

Is "he aims to" grammatically correct instead of "he aims at"?

While "he aims to" is also grammatically correct, "he aims at" requires a noun or gerund phrase after "at", whereas "he aims to" is followed by the base form of a verb. For example, "He aims to improve" vs "He aims at improvement".

What's the difference between "he aims at" and "he is aiming at"?

"He aims at" generally describes a consistent or habitual goal, whereas "he is aiming at" describes an action happening currently. For example, "He aims at a promotion" (general goal) vs. "He is aiming at the target" (specific action now).