the chief aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the chief aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary goal or objective of a person, organization, or project. Example: "The chief aim of our research is to develop sustainable energy solutions that can benefit future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The chief aim of NGOs should be their own abolition.

The Economist

For the first four years, the chief aim would be perfecting reading, in all these ways.

Harvard University

Avoiding that single pound is the chief aim of this operation.

The Washington Post

The chief aim was to determine how these different methods could affect quantitative evaluations of postoperative complications.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

But the recapture of the city, which constituted the chief aim of the Third Crusade, eluded him.

Britannica

The chief aim of the case is to develop students' sense of what a manager's objectives are and what concrete things must be done to accomplish them.

Harvard University

The chief aim of the GS Honor Society is to cultivate interaction among those committed to intellectual discovery and academic excellence.

Columbia University

That kind of nonchalance would exasperate her character, the tyrannical cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, for whom winning is the chief aim of humankind.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There were usually not many cases of this kind, because the chief aim of the inquisitors was to reconcile heretics to the church.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Protecting voting rights is one of the chief aims of Barber's group.

The Washington Post

Large-scale work was resumed by German archaeologists in 1936, one of the chief aims being the excavation and restoration of the stadium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the chief aim", ensure the context clearly defines whose aim is being discussed. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the actor or entity pursuing the aim.

Common error

Avoid embedding "the chief aim" within overly complex sentences. Instead, use it as a concise statement to introduce the core objective, ensuring clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the chief aim" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important goal or objective. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English and it serves to highlight the primary target or purpose behind an action or endeavor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the chief aim" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the primary objective or goal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase emphasizes importance and clarity, making it useful in formal and neutral registers. Alternatives such as "the main goal" or "the principal objective" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying whose aim is being discussed and avoid overly complex sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main goal

Replaces "chief" with "main", emphasizing the primary nature of the goal.

the principal objective

Substitutes "aim" with "objective" and "chief" with "principal", offering a more formal tone.

the primary purpose

Uses "purpose" instead of "aim", focusing on the reason for something.

the key objective

Emphasizes the importance of the objective by using "key" instead of "chief".

the central focus

Shifts the focus from a goal to a central point of attention or effort.

the overriding concern

Highlights the dominant concern or priority.

the fundamental reason

Focuses on the underlying cause or rationale.

the ultimate ambition

Replaces "aim" with "ambition", suggesting a long-term aspiration.

the core intent

Emphasizes the essential intention or objective.

the basic idea

Simplifies the concept to its most fundamental notion.

FAQs

How can I use "the chief aim" in a sentence?

You can use "the chief aim" to introduce the main objective of a project, organization, or individual. For example, "The chief aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the new treatment."

What are some alternatives to "the chief aim"?

Alternatives to "the chief aim" include "the main goal", "the principal objective", or "the primary purpose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "the chief aim" or "the main aim"?

Both "the chief aim" and "the main aim" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Chief" can add a slightly stronger emphasis on the importance of the aim.

Can "the chief aim" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "the chief aim" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where clearly stating the primary objective is essential.