looking to attain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to attain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to achieve a specific goal or objective. Example: "She is looking to attain a higher level of education to advance her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That one about turf wars between the pettiest of factions looking to attain the supreme prize: The Iron Throne.

Vice

Follow Noel Ransome on TwItter.

Vice

For a senior physician looking to attain a chief physician position the features of university hospitals appear to be conducive to career advancement, potentially as a result of the scope the services and treatments offered and the complexity of the organization.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Including these protein-rich and highly nutritious foods in the diet is likely to be a boon for those looking to achieve or attain a healthy weight, without the hunger strikes.

The Guardian

Munisteri has the look that most political operatives seem to attain in middle age: rumpled, and filled with nervous energy.

The New Yorker

A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress, which looks difficult to attain.

The Economist

As a whole, most of them were seriously committed and looking forward to attaining skills for self- employment.

Unicef

Juventus sparkled only in flashes, but they did so brightly enough to record an ultimately commanding victory, with Celtic now heading to Turin looking to retain the respect already attained on this season's run.  .

BBC

According to leaked documents attained by TechCrunch, the company is looking to generate around $1 billion in revenue next year.

TechCrunch

For the purposes of attaining great grades and for students looking to expand their minds they can hang an image or picture of geniuses such as Albert Einstein.

Huffington Post

In looking to his past, Mr. Gordon has created an uncanny sensation of traveling through time: gliding past decades to attain theatrical purity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the goal you're "looking to attain" is clearly defined and aligns with the overall context of your sentence. This helps maintain clarity and focus.

Common error

Avoid using "looking to attain" when the object of attainment is unclear or undefined. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Instead, specify exactly what you are trying to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to attain" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a desire or intention to achieve a specific goal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression. It combines a present participle of "look" with an infinitive phrase, creating a purpose connector.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking to attain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the intention to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, making it suitable for a range of writing styles. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase with a clear understanding of what is being sought to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "seeking to achieve" or "aiming to acquire" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to achieve

Replaces "looking" with "seeking", slightly formalizing the expression while retaining the core meaning of pursuing a goal.

aiming to acquire

Shifts the focus slightly towards acquisition, implying an effort to gain something specific.

striving to obtain

Emphasizes effort and determination in reaching a goal, adding a sense of challenge.

intending to secure

Highlights the planned nature of the action, suggesting a deliberate strategy to ensure success.

planning to reach

Focuses on the preparatory steps and a defined target to be reached.

wishing to accomplish

Adds a sense of desire and aspiration, making the phrase slightly more personal.

desiring to procure

Highlights the aspiration and the act of obtaining something, often implying careful effort.

working towards realizing

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and the goal of making something real or concrete.

hoping to gain

Expresses a desire with an element of uncertainty, suggesting that the outcome is not guaranteed.

pursuing the acquisition of

Highlights the act of pursuing and specifies the goal as acquiring something, adding a more formal tone.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "looking to attain"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking to achieve", "aiming to acquire", or "striving to obtain" depending on the context.

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

Use "looking to attain" to express a desire or intention to achieve a specific goal. For example: "She is looking to attain a higher position within the company".

What's the difference between "looking to attain" and "looking to maintain"?

"Looking to attain" implies an effort to gain something new, whereas "looking to maintain" suggests an effort to preserve something already existing.

Is "looking to attain" formal or informal?

"Looking to attain" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives might be preferred in very formal writing.