high ambitions

USAGE SUMMARY

"high ambitions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's desire to reach an ambitious goal. For example: He has high ambitions of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IT IS laudable to have high ambitions.

The Economist

David has high ambitions for his brand.

Independent

There are no high ambitions.

The New York Times

We have high ambitions for our graduates.

The Guardian

The EU has high ambitions for its clean energy transition.

Energy Strategy Reviews

Why shouldn't NY be inspired to high ambitions?

The New York Times

Miliband said Britain needed to show the way forward and match "high ambitions abroad, with high ambitions at home".

The Guardian

The women had high ambitions to hold executive leadership roles with high status, power, and influence.

Columbia University

"I have high ambitions for my daughter," said her mother, Bidaa Mhem Thabet al-Hasan.

Independent

It had no building, no collection, and no director, but Broad had high ambitions for it.

The New Yorker

"We have high ambitions, and our journey in this direction has just begun.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "high ambitions", ensure the context clarifies the specific area or field of their aspirations for a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "high ambitions" to describe vague desires without outlining actionable steps, as this can diminish credibility. Instead, highlight specific objectives and strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high ambitions" functions as a noun phrase, where "high" modifies the noun "ambitions". Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in English. It describes the intensity or level of someone's aspirations, often implying a strong desire for significant achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high ambitions" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to describe significant aspirations or goals. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide clarity about the specific area or field of aspiration to enhance understanding. While alternatives like "lofty goals" or "grand aspirations" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. Avoiding vague desires without actionable steps ensures credibility when discussing someone's "high ambitions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lofty goals

Focuses more on the grand scale and aspirational nature of the objectives.

Ambitious aims

Highlights the specific targets one is striving to reach.

Grand aspirations

Emphasizes the hopeful and visionary aspect of ambitions.

Great expectations

Suggests a strong belief in future success and achievement.

Elevated aspirations

Underscores the high level and importance of the goals.

Significant goals

Highlights importance and not necessarily level of difficulty or achievement of the goal.

Ambitious objectives

Similar to ambitious aims, but emphasizes the strategic nature of the goals.

Far-reaching goals

Emphasizes the extensive impact and scope of the ambitions.

Substantial aspirations

Focuses on the considerable size and significance of the ambitions.

Major aspirations

Highlights the importance and scale of the ambitions.

FAQs

How can I use "high ambitions" in a sentence?

You can use "high ambitions" to describe someone's strong desire for success or achievement. For example: "She has "high ambitions" of becoming a doctor."

What are some alternatives to saying "high ambitions"?

Alternatives include "lofty goals", "ambitious aims", or "grand aspirations", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "high ambitions" or "high aspirations"?

Both "high ambitions" and "high aspirations" are correct and similar in meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context, though "high aspirations" might sound slightly more formal.

What distinguishes "high ambitions" from "great expectations"?

"High ambitions" refers to a strong personal drive for achievement, while "great expectations" often implies anticipating significant success or outcomes, sometimes influenced by external factors.