set an aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set an aim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are suggesting to someone that they identify a goal or objective. For example, "I suggest that you set an aim for the next year to improve your writing skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The two countries, which are major trading partners, have set an aim of increasing their two-way trade volume from £21bn ($33bn) to £64bn by 2020.

The Guardian - Business

A year ago, it set an aim to raise the proportion of £5 notes dispensed from ATMs from 0.2% of the total value of ATM outflows, to 1.2%.

BBC

The Bank set an aim to raise the proportion of £5 notes dispensed from ATMs from 0.2% of the total value of ATM outflows in mid-2010, to 1.2%.

BBC

Know the aim of the experiment: Set an aim for your experiment, what do you want to experiment.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It sets an aim; it doesn't set a rigid target which disregards economic conditions".

The Guardian

They set a target to aim for, and a vision to aspire to.

The Guardian - Opinion

At that conference, the United States, Arab and Israeli leaders and representatives of the United Nations, Russia and the European Union could set a schedule aimed at a peace treaty sometime after the 2004 presidential elections in the United States, Mr. Mubarak suggested.

The New York Times

Although the previous Labour administration had set out an aim to encourage the use of open source software and methods in government projects, it gained little traction.

The Guardian - Tech

When I was a young teenager, my brother helped me set up an AIM account.

Huffington Post

It would aim to set an example," it says.

The Guardian

We aim to set an example, hoping that the market will follow.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set an aim", ensure the aim is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) for effective goal setting.

Common error

Avoid setting overly broad aims. Instead of saying "set an aim to improve", specify what you want to improve and how you will measure success. For example, instead, say "set an aim to improve your writing skills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set an aim" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of establishing a goal or target. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable phrase. It is commonly employed to suggest the act of identifying a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set an aim" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, that means to establish a goal or target. While not extremely common, it finds usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To enhance its effectiveness, ensure that the aim you set is specific and measurable. Alternatives like "establish a goal" or "define a purpose" can provide nuanced variations, so be mindful of what you want to convey. Overall, "set an aim" serves as a helpful phrase for initiating goal-oriented actions. The limited number of exact matches (4 examples) suggests that, while valid, it is less frequently used compared to some of its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a goal

Focuses on the act of establishing rather than just setting.

define a purpose

Emphasizes the definition and clarity of the objective.

determine an objective

Highlights the process of determining or deciding upon an objective.

formulate a plan

Shifts the focus slightly towards the creation of a strategic plan.

lay down a target

Uses a more figurative and emphatic way to describe target setting.

specify an intention

Centers around the specification of a particular intention or desired outcome.

chart a course

Emphasizes direction and navigation toward a goal.

designate a mission

Implies a specific and often important task or undertaking.

conceive an ambition

Centers on the initial conception and formation of an ambition.

resolve on a project

Focuses on the resolute decision to undertake a specific project.

FAQs

How can I use "set an aim" in a sentence?

You can use "set an aim" to describe establishing a goal, such as "The company needs to "establish a goal" for reducing carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "set an aim"?

Alternatives include "define a purpose", "determine an objective", or "establish a goal", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "set an aim" or "establish a goal"?

Both "set an aim" and "establish a goal" are acceptable, though ""establish a goal"" might sound more formal in certain contexts. The best choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What does it mean to "set an aim"?

To "set an aim" means to define or "determine an objective" that one intends to achieve. It involves identifying a specific goal and committing to working towards it.