he is looking to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is looking to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's intention or desire to achieve or obtain something. Example: "He is looking to improve his skills in programming by taking online courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is looking to break ground for the project next March, depending on the permit process.

The New York Times

He is looking to move soon, he said.

The New York Times

Today, he is looking to mix things up.

Independent

Now he is looking to do the same with ebooks.

The Guardian

Now he is looking to produce big profits.

The New York Times

Then again, he is looking to regain his touch.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, the governor has done little to quiet talk that he is looking to run.

The New York Times

Since this is too much for one person, he is looking to clone himself.

University of California, Berkeley

He is looking to accelerate the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is looking to keep others out of it.

HuffPost

If he is looking to change biotech, the old players need to watch out," says Kaganovich.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is looking to" when you want to express someone's intentions or plans in a neutral or slightly formal way. It's suitable for news reports, business communications, and general informative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he is looking to" in very casual conversations or informal writing. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "he wants to" or "he's planning to" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is looking to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating intention or purpose. As shown in Ludwig, it's commonly used to express someone's plans, goals, or aspirations, indicating a forward-looking perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is looking to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express someone's intentions or plans. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is mostly used in news and media, showing a neutral register. While acceptable in various contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual settings. When writing, remember that "he is looking to" suggests a thoughtful intention rather than a mere desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he intends to

Formal alternative focusing on planned action.

he plans to

Similar to intends, emphasizing a prearranged course.

he is seeking to

Formal and emphasizes active pursuit.

he aims to

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the action.

he hopes to

Expresses a desire with an element of uncertainty.

he is trying to

Indicates effort and potential difficulty.

he aspires to

Suggests a higher level of ambition or aspiration.

he wants to

Simple expression of desire or wish.

he wishes to

More formal way to express a desire.

he anticipates

Focuses on expecting or foreseeing a future event.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he is looking to"?

You can use alternatives like "he intends to", "he plans to", or "he aims to" depending on the context.

Is "he is looking to" formal or informal?

"He is looking to" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news reports, business communications, and academic writing, but might sound a bit stiff in very casual conversation.

How to use "he is looking to" in a sentence?

Use "he is looking to" to describe someone's intention or plan to do something. For example, "He is looking to expand his business into new markets next year."

What is the difference between "he is looking to" and "he wants to"?

"He is looking to" suggests a more deliberate and planned intention, whereas "he wants to" simply expresses a desire. "He is looking to" implies that some thought or preparation has gone into the intention.