principal aim

USAGE SUMMARY

"principal aim" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the main goal or objective of a plan, project, or system. For example, "The principal aim of this program is to provide literacy resources to underserved communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mama Nadi's principal aim is to make money.

The New Yorker

That kind of conversation is perhaps this blog's principal aim.

The New York Times

The principal aim of any wealthy nation should now be to say: "Enough already".

The Guardian - Opinion

A Lib-Lab coalition does not have to be either party's principal aim.

The Guardian - Opinion

Originally, the principal aim of the bill was to increase police accountability.

The Guardian - Opinion

But its founder and CEO, Jonah Peretti, says BuzzFeed's principal aim right now is not profitability.

The Guardian

Neil, though, will be desperately disappointed not to have achieved his principal aim of securing McCormack.

The Guardian - Sport

The principal aim is tax avoidance, achieved for the most part through lawful mechanisms.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the director's principal aim, he conceded, was to have fun.

The New York Times

The principal aim was to use human intelligence to prevent future attacks.

The Economist

The principal aim of this perspective is to understand how private interests and public officials interact.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principal aim" in formal writing where a precise and authoritative tone is needed.

Common error

A common mistake is using "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition) instead of "principal" (main or most important). Remember that "principal" in "principal aim" refers to the main objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal aim" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the primary goal or objective. Ludwig provides various examples of its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal aim" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the main objective or goal. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears in a wide range of contexts, particularly in scientific and news media sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from "principle" and providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Synonyms like "primary objective" or "main goal" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Therefore, understanding its proper usage will enhance precision and effectiveness in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary objective

Replaces "aim" with "objective", emphasizing the specific target.

main goal

Substitutes "principal" with "main" and "aim" with "goal", for a simpler expression.

chief purpose

Replaces "principal" with "chief" and "aim" with "purpose", highlighting the intended result.

primary focus

Replaces "aim" with "focus", suggesting a central point of attention.

central objective

Emphasizes the importance of the objective, similar to "principal aim".

core intention

Uses "intention" to convey the underlying purpose or plan.

fundamental goal

Highlights the foundational nature of the goal.

key objective

Replaces "principal" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the objective.

overriding concern

Shifts the focus to a prevailing concern that guides actions.

ultimate target

Indicates the final result to be achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "principal aim" in a sentence?

You can use "principal aim" to describe the main objective of a project, study, or organization. For example, "The "principal aim" of the research was to identify new treatments for cancer."

What is the difference between "principal aim" and "main goal"?

While "principal aim" and "main goal" are similar, "principal aim" often implies a more formal or official objective, whereas "main goal" can be used in more informal contexts. Consider using "main goal" in casual conversations and ""principal aim"" in formal reports.

What are some synonyms for "principal aim"?

Some synonyms for "principal aim" include "primary objective", "chief purpose", and "central objective". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the principle aim"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is "the "principal aim"". "Principal" means main or most important, while "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition.