looking to win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to win" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to achieve victory or success in a competition or endeavor. Example: "The team is looking to win the championship this year after months of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

J. wasn't looking to win anything.

The New York Times - Sports

We're all looking to win".

The Guardian - Sport

"We're looking to win on the road.

The New York Times - Sports

We're looking to win the East".

The New York Times - Sports

We're looking to win the next game".

The New York Times - Sports

Bobby was looking to win the match.

The Guardian - Sport

DT: I'm looking to win first.

The Washington Post

We're not looking to win the wild card.

The New York Times

"I'm not looking to win silver or bronze," Jones said.

The New York Times - Sports

"So we're definitely looking to win the FA Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Hunger Games" is looking to win this round the old-fashioned way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking to win", ensure the context clearly defines what is being won. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "looking to win" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "aiming for victory" or "striving for success" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to win" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe a subject's intention or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a proactive desire for victory or success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking to win" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express an intention or desire to achieve victory. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use. While suitable for many contexts, it may be perceived as informal in academic or scientific writing, where alternatives like "aiming for victory" or "striving for success" may be preferred. Its frequent occurrence in news and sports reporting highlights its role in conveying ambition and intent across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the goal of winning

Specifies winning as the explicit objective.

setting out to win

Emphasizes the act of starting or embarking on a journey with the aim of winning.

aiming for victory

Uses "aiming" instead of "looking", focusing on the intent to achieve victory.

hoping to secure a win

Introduces an element of hope or anticipation in achieving the win.

aspiring to win

Indicates a strong desire or ambition to win.

seeking to triumph

Replaces "win" with "triumph", adding a more formal and emphatic tone.

intending to achieve victory

Focuses on the intention behind the pursuit of victory.

striving for success

Shifts the focus from winning to achieving a successful outcome.

planning to emerge victorious

Highlights the planning and strategy involved in becoming victorious.

determined to be victorious

Emphasizes the determination to achieve a win, adding intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking to win" to express an intention or desire to achieve victory. For example, "The team is "looking to win" the championship this year".

What are some alternatives to "looking to win"?

Some alternatives include "aiming for victory", "striving for success", or "seeking to triumph". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "looking to win" too informal for professional writing?

While "looking to win" is acceptable in many contexts, it can be perceived as informal in highly formal or academic settings. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives in such cases.

What is the difference between "looking to win" and "hoping to win"?

"Looking to win" implies a more proactive approach and intention, whereas "hoping to win" suggests a desire with less emphasis on the effort or plan to achieve it.