lofty aspirations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lofty aspirations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to ambitious goals or dreams that someone has. For example, "He had lofty aspirations of becoming a famous actor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was no secret that Ms. Kagan had lofty aspirations.

The New York Times

It's a good tart, not a great one, a simple soul with unrealistically lofty aspirations.

The New York Times - Food

Even in go-go China, such lofty aspirations may sound far-fetched.

The New York Times

The slip might have betrayed Walsh's lofty aspirations for this demoralized franchise.

The New York Times

Given the school's limited endowment and lofty aspirations, resources could not be distributed evenly.

The New Yorker

There's a reason the football coach is the highest-paid employee at any B.C.S.-level school with lofty aspirations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

That lofty aspiration is emblazoned in the World Bank's Washington headquarters.

The Economist

That would be a lofty aspiration for a team in the bottom quartile of major league and National League payrolls.

The New York Times

I have never seen a school in Britain, state or independent, with such a high focus on development of character and lofty aspiration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through the majesty of the eagle and the quiet rebellion of the mole, the image conveys the combination of lofty aspiration and humble diligence that poetry demands.

The Guardian - Books

KRISTIANSTAD, Sweden -- When this city vowed a decade ago to wean itself from fossil fuels, it was a lofty aspiration, like zero deaths from traffic accidents or the elimination of childhood obesity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lofty aspirations" to describe ambitious goals that require significant effort and vision. It's particularly effective when highlighting the idealistic or high-minded nature of these goals.

Common error

Avoid using "lofty aspirations" to describe simple or easily achievable goals. The phrase implies a significant challenge and a high degree of ambition; using it for mundane tasks can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lofty aspirations" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lofty" modifies the noun "aspirations". It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, describing ambitious goals. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty aspirations" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes ambitious goals or dreams. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is versatile and suitable for various writing styles, from formal to informal. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, it conveys a sense of ambitious objectives that demand significant effort. To avoid misusing this phrase, ensure that the goals you're describing are genuinely challenging and high-minded, not mundane or easily achievable. Consider alternatives such as "ambitious goals" or "high ambitions" if the context requires a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambitious goals

Focuses on the goals themselves, highlighting their ambition.

high ambitions

Similar to the original phrase but uses "high" instead of "lofty".

grand ambitions

Emphasizes the scale and impressiveness of the ambitions.

exalted goals

Suggests goals that are morally or spiritually elevated.

noble aims

Highlights the virtuous or honorable nature of the objectives.

aspirational objectives

Highlights the aspirational nature of the objectives.

sky-high dreams

Uses a more figurative expression to emphasize the magnitude of the dreams.

far-reaching ambitions

Focuses on the extensive impact or scope of the ambitions.

grandiose visions

Implies a sweeping and perhaps unrealistic scope.

overreaching goals

Suggests ambitions that may be too ambitious or unrealistic.

FAQs

How can I use "lofty aspirations" in a sentence?

You can use "lofty aspirations" to describe ambitious goals or dreams. For example, "The company's growth plans hinged on success in these types of devices, and the flashy release of the Atom brand reflected Intel's "lofty aspirations".

What are some alternatives to "lofty aspirations"?

You can use alternatives such as "ambitious goals", "high ambitions", or "grand ambitions" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lofty aspirations"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "lofty aspirations" when you want to convey that someone has ambitions that are very high, perhaps even to an idealistic or unrealistic degree. It suggests that achieving these goals will require significant effort and vision.

What is the difference between "lofty aspirations" and "high hopes"?

"Lofty aspirations" refers to ambitious goals and dreams that require significant effort to achieve. "High hopes", on the other hand, refers to optimistic expectations about something. While both phrases involve a positive outlook, "lofty aspirations" implies a greater degree of ambition and effort.