aim for

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   to try to achieve a particular goal or result

   Grammar: Aim for is a phrasal verb and is inseparable. It takes an object: aim for a goal.

   Patterns

   • aim for something
   • aim for a goal
   • aim for success

   She aims for a top score in every exam.

   We should aim for a 10% increase in sales this year.

   He's aiming for a place in the national team.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   to point a weapon or object toward a target

   Grammar: Aim for is used when you want to hit a target. It takes an object: aim for the target.

   Patterns

   • aim for something
   • aim for the target

   The archer aimed for the center of the target.

   Aim for the tree, not the house.

Common combinations

aim for the stars

Don't be afraid to aim for the stars.

aim for perfection

She always aims for perfection in her work.

aim for a target

The company aims for a target of 1 million users.

aim for the top

He's aiming for the top in his career.

Synonyms and how they differ

strive for

Strive for suggests working very hard over a long time; aim for is more neutral and often about setting a goal.

target

Target is often used in business and planning; aim for is more general and personal.

aspire to

Aspire to is more formal and often about long-term ambitions; aim for is more immediate and practical.

Word family

aim verb

To point or direct something at a target.

aim noun

A goal or purpose.

aimless adjective

Without a clear purpose or direction.

Commonly confused: aim for or aim at?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “aim for”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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