very ambitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very ambitious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has high aspirations or goals, often implying a strong desire to achieve success. Example: "Her very ambitious plans for the startup include expanding to international markets within the first year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very ambitious.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's very ambitious".

Independent

"We remain very ambitious".

The Economist

"I'm still very ambitious.

Independent

"Too fast and very ambitious".

The New York Times - Arts

I was always very ambitious.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a very ambitious project.

The New York Times

I was very ambitious.

The Guardian

"Steve's very ambitious.

The Telegraph

She was very ambitious.

The New York Times - Arts

Is he very ambitious?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very ambitious" to clearly convey a strong desire for achievement and significant goals. Ensure that the context provides sufficient details to understand the scope and nature of the ambition.

Common error

Avoid using "very ambitious" without providing supporting details. Simply stating that someone or something is "very ambitious" lacks impact if the specific goals or plans are not clarified or justified. Explain what makes the ambition significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very ambitious" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the extent or degree of ambition. It often highlights the scale or scope of plans, goals, or aspirations, as demonstrated in examples identified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very ambitious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe someone or something with high aspirations and significant goals. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news, academic and scientific articles. While the phrase is generally positive, context is key to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed. If you're looking for alternative ways to express the same idea, phrases like "highly driven" or "extremely motivated" can offer subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly driven

Emphasizes the internal motivation and energy behind pursuing goals, shifting focus from the goal's scale to the person's drive.

extremely motivated

Highlights the strong inner desire and willingness to work hard to achieve something.

unusually determined

Stresses the strong will and resolve to accomplish goals, even in the face of obstacles.

intensely goal-oriented

Directly points to a strong focus on achieving objectives, highlighting the strategic and results-driven aspect.

extraordinarily aspiring

Emphasizes the height of someone's ambitions and their eagerness to reach great achievements.

exceptionally zealous

Conveys a passionate and enthusiastic dedication, suggesting a more fervent approach to ambition.

notably high-reaching

Highlights the significant level of ambition and the aim to achieve prominent success.

remarkably purposeful

Stresses the clarity and determination in pursuing specific aims, focusing on the intentionality of the ambition.

decidedly enterprising

Indicates a readiness to take initiative and venture into new projects, emphasizing resourcefulness and innovation.

particularly assertive

Focuses on the confident and forceful approach to achieving goals, highlighting the proactive nature of the ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "very ambitious" in a sentence?

You can use "very ambitious" to describe a person, plan, or goal that is characterized by a strong desire for achievement and significant objectives. For example, "She has "very ambitious plans" for her career" or "The project is "very ambitious, but" achievable".

What are some alternatives to saying "very ambitious"?

Alternatives include "highly driven", "extremely motivated", or "goal-oriented". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "highly ambitious" or "very ambitious"?

Both "very ambitious" and "highly ambitious" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "highly ambitious" might be perceived as slightly more formal and emphatic than "very ambitious".

Can "very ambitious" have a negative connotation?

While generally positive, "very ambitious" can sometimes imply a negative connotation if the ambition is perceived as excessive, ruthless, or unrealistic. This depends heavily on the context and the speaker's intent.