not aiming to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not aiming to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that the subject is not trying or intending to do something. For example: - I am not aiming to offend anyone with my comments. - The company is not aiming to increase profits this quarter, but rather to focus on customer satisfaction. In both of these examples, the speaker is stating that their intention is not to do something. This phrase can also be used in other verb tenses, such as "was not aiming to" or "will not be aiming to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's not aiming to shock people.

Independent

Black is not aiming to make sense.

The New Yorker

I'm not aiming to win it or go for GC.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not aiming to be revolutionary but good.

The Guardian - Arts

I was certainly not aiming to get arrested.

The Guardian - Music

"I don't want to, I am not aiming to.

Independent

Romo said he was not aiming to shape his persona, either.

The New York Times - Sports

However, those planning to attend insisted they were not aiming to make trouble.

The Guardian

He also said, earnestly, that he was not aiming to score 30 points a night.

The New York Times - Sports

But Gibraltar is not aiming to become a soccer powerhouse, at least not any time soon.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She does not aim to please, or aim at all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not aiming to" to clearly communicate a lack of intent or purpose, especially when clarifying goals or expectations. It's particularly useful in professional or formal communication where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "not aiming to" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to prevent the writing from sounding monotonous or overly negative. Consider using positive phrasing to express your intentions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not aiming to" functions as a negative polarity infinitive phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a lack of intention or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not aiming to" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express a lack of intention or purpose in English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While "not aiming to" is widely accepted, varying your language with alternatives like "not intending to" or "not trying to" can enhance clarity and stylistic flow. Avoid overuse to maintain a balanced and engaging tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not intending to

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a specific plan or intention.

not trying to

Focuses on the absence of effort or attempt towards a particular goal.

not seeking to

Implies a lack of active pursuit or desire for a specific outcome.

not planning to

Highlights the absence of a pre-arranged strategy or scheme.

not wishing to

Emphasizes the absence of desire or inclination.

have no intention to

A more formal way of stating a lack of intent.

not looking to

Indicates an absence of active searching or desire for something.

not endeavoring to

A more formal alternative suggesting a lack of effort towards a goal.

abstaining from

Implies a deliberate choice to refrain from a particular action or goal.

eschewing

A formal term for deliberately avoiding or abstaining from something.

FAQs

How can I use "not aiming to" in a sentence?

You can use "not aiming to" to express a lack of intention. For instance, "I am "not aiming to offend" anyone with my comments" or "The company is "not aiming to increase profits" this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "not aiming to"?

Alternatives include "not intending to", "not trying to", or "not seeking to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "not aiming to" or "not intending to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Not intending to" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "not aiming to" in writing?

"Not aiming to" is appropriate in various contexts where you need to clearly state a lack of intention or purpose. This can be in formal reports, casual conversations, or any situation where clarifying expectations is important.