sight set on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sight set on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a focus or goal that someone is aiming to achieve. Example: "The company has its sight set on expanding into international markets by next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

You could have your sight set on their eyeshine in the trees one second and the next thing you know, they've traveled 20 meters across the forest into the dense thicket of bamboo.

Duke University

Ruth left Omaha, NE with her sight set on New York City.

The New York Times

Talkster has its sight set on the enterprise.

TechCrunch

The shop prospered but still, with a growing family and school fees, Dorphine's parents had their sight set on bigger business.

Forbes

Already having had a taste of stadium shows supporting The Stone Roses, Blossoms now has it's sight set on even bigger things.

Huffington Post

His Harlem-based retail store opened in the Fall of 2013 and he already has his sight set on expanding to other major metropolitan cities.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But they're not the only ones that have their sights set on the moon.

TechCrunch

Donald Trump has his sights set on Amazon.

The Guardian - Tech

They had their sights set on superstars.

The Guardian - Music

Now it has its sights set on the car radio.

The New York Times

He has his sights set on goals of his own.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sight set on" when you want to emphasize a clear and focused objective. For instance, "The team has its sight set on winning the championship."

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations of "sight set on". It's an idiomatic expression, not a literal visual act. Don't use it in contexts where physical sight is the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sight set on" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating a focused intention or goal. It's often used to describe someone or something with a clear objective, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "sight set on" is used to convey a focused intention or goal. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and the examples highlight its use in expressing ambition and determination across varied contexts, including news, media, and academia. While not the most frequent phrase, understanding its idiomatic nature and appropriate contexts is key to effective communication. Alternatives like "aiming for" or "focused on" can be used for similar effect, but "sight set on" is unique with its idiomatic value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting one's sights on

Similar meaning but more formal and less common variation.

focused on

Emphasizes a state of concentration on a particular object or goal.

aiming for

Focuses on the act of directing effort towards a specific target.

determined to

Stresses the firmness of purpose in achieving a goal.

intending to

Highlights the plan or intention to do something.

with the goal of

Explicitly states the objective one is trying to achieve.

pursuing

Highlights the act of actively seeking to reach a goal.

have aspirations for

Implies a desire for future success or achievement.

have designs on

Suggests a strategic or calculated approach to achieving something, can sometimes imply a less than straightforward method.

eyeing

Implies an intent gaze towards something desired.

FAQs

What does it mean to have your "sight set on" something?

To have your "sight set on" something means you are focused on achieving it. It suggests a strong intention and dedicated effort towards a specific goal.

What can I say instead of "sight set on"?

You can use alternatives like "aiming for", "focused on", or "intending to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "sights set on" instead of "sight set on"?

Both "sight set on" and "sights set on" are used. The plural form is generally preferred when referring to multiple goals or a broader objective. However, the singular "sight set on" can be correct when referring to a single, specific goal.

How do I use "sight set on" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The company has its sight set on expanding its market share." or "She has her sight set on getting into a top university".