looking to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an intention or desire to achieve something or to seek assistance or guidance. Example: "I am looking to improve my skills in graphic design by taking an online course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're looking to grow".

The New York Times

We're looking to rent".

The New York Times

He's looking to move.

Independent

Now he's looking to sell.

The New York Times

We'll keep looking to build.

Independent

I'm not looking to fail".

The New York Times - Sports

SAC was looking to expand.

The New York Times

They're looking to buy Percocets".

The New York Times

I'm really looking to kill something".

The New York Times - Magazine

We're not looking to move payroll.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the league is looking to India.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking to", ensure that the subsequent verb accurately reflects the intended action or goal. For example, "We are looking to expand our market share" clearly states the objective.

Common error

Avoid pairing "looking to" with passive voice constructions. Instead of "looking to be promoted", use "looking to get promoted" or, even better, "looking to advance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to" functions as a connector indicating purpose or intention. It links a subject with a subsequent action or goal, expressing what the subject intends to achieve, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking to" is a versatile connector used to express intention, desire, or expectation towards a future action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and general writing. While acceptable in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "intending to" or "aiming to" for highly formal settings. The phrase is a common and effective way to convey purpose, but care should be taken to avoid passive voice constructions. Ludwig's examples underscore its role in expressing plans and objectives, making it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming to

Replaces "looking" with a more direct expression of intention or goal.

intending to

Focuses on the internal plan or decision to perform an action.

planning to

Highlights the structured approach or preparation for a future action.

seeking to

Emphasizes the act of searching or pursuing a particular outcome.

desiring to

Conveys a strong wish or yearning for a specific result.

expecting to

Expresses anticipation or belief that something will happen.

hoping to

Implies a wishful or optimistic outlook regarding a future event.

wanting to

Indicates a simple desire or preference for a certain action.

trying to

Highlights the effort or attempt to achieve a goal.

considering

Suggests contemplation or evaluation of a potential action.

FAQs

What does "looking to" mean?

"Looking to" typically means intending, planning, or expecting to do something. It suggests a future action or goal.

How can I use "looking to" in a sentence?

You can use "looking to" to express your intentions or plans. For example, "I am looking to improve my skills this year" or "The company is "aiming to" expand its operations overseas".

What are some alternatives to "looking to"?

Alternatives to "looking to" include "aiming to", "intending to", "planning to", or "seeking to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "looking to" in formal writing?

Yes, "looking to" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially in business and news contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "intending to" or "aiming to".