to aim higher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to aim higher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to set more ambitious goals or to strive for greater achievements. Example: "In order to succeed in this competitive market, we must aim higher and innovate our products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Romney ought to aim higher.

The New York Times

The key now is to aim higher.

The Guardian

It enables you to aim higher and set higher targets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We want them to aim higher," Mr. Anderson said.

The New York Times

The United States has a responsibility to aim higher.

The New York Times

The third element is a resolve to aim higher than teaching to standardized tests.

The New York Times

The leaders of our nation are supposed to move us to aim higher and do better.

The Guardian - Opinion

Similarly, when it comes to employers some want to aim higher than mere legal compliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Being successful in your role will make you want to aim higher.

The Guardian

Others highlight the desire to aim higher than merely avoiding breaking the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the factory beckoned with a high-paying job, why bother going to college or encouraging children to aim higher?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, use "to aim higher" to inspire them to not settle for mediocrity and to pursue goals that truly challenge and excite them.

Common error

Avoid using "to aim higher" in contexts where realistic or practical considerations outweigh aspirational goals. Overly ambitious objectives without a solid foundation can lead to disappointment and inefficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to aim higher" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as an adverbial of purpose. It modifies a verb, explaining the reason or objective behind an action. Ludwig provides multiple examples showing its use in encouraging greater ambition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to aim higher" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples. It serves as a motivational tool, encouraging individuals or groups to pursue more ambitious goals. While adaptable to various contexts, it’s crucial to ensure that the goals remain realistic and grounded. Key alternatives include "to set loftier goals" and "to strive for excellence". Its pervasive presence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and effectiveness in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to set loftier goals

Emphasizes the ambitious nature of the goals being set.

to reach for the stars

A more figurative and aspirational way to express aiming high.

to strive for excellence

Focuses on the quality of the effort and outcome.

to push the envelope

Suggests going beyond conventional limits and boundaries.

to exceed expectations

Highlights the act of surpassing anticipated achievements.

to raise the bar

Implies setting a new, higher standard of performance.

to maximize potential

Focuses on fully developing and utilizing one's abilities.

to go the extra mile

Suggests putting in additional effort beyond what is required.

to pursue ambitious targets

Highlights the intention to achieve difficult goals

to outperform

Focuses on achieving a level of performance which is above others

FAQs

How can I use "to aim higher" in a sentence?

You can use "to aim higher" to encourage someone to set more ambitious goals. For example: "We need "to aim higher" if we want to be the best in the market."

What are some alternatives to "to aim higher"?

Alternatives include "to set loftier goals", "to strive for excellence", or "to reach for the stars". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "to aim higher"?

It is appropriate in scenarios where you want to motivate someone to achieve more, such as in business, education, or personal development. For example, a manager might encourage their team "to aim higher" with their sales targets.

Is "to aim higher" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "to aim higher" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it conveys a sense of ambition and drive, while in informal settings, it provides encouragement and motivation. Consider other alternatives like "to set loftier goals" for even more formal writing.