Meaning & use
aiming
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“aiming” is a form of “aim”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
Pointing a weapon, camera, ball or other object toward a target.
Grammar: Often followed by at: aiming at the target; with an object: aiming the camera at the stage.
Patterns
- aiming at something
- aiming something at someone
The archer spent a long moment aiming at the center of the target.
He was aiming the camera at the mountain when the clouds cleared.
She kept aiming too low and missing the basket.
verbintransitive
Intending or trying to achieve something.
Grammar: No object; followed by to plus a verb or for plus a noun: aiming to win, aiming for first place.
Patterns
- aiming to do something
- aiming for something
We are aiming to finish the project by Friday.
She is aiming for a place at a top university.
The company is aiming high with its new product.
verbtransitive
Directing a product, message or criticism at a particular group of people.
Grammar: Takes an object and usually at: aiming a campaign at teenagers.
Patterns
- aiming something at someone
The magazine is aiming its articles at young parents.
He was clearly aiming his comments at the manager.
They are aiming the new phone at first-time buyers.
Word forms
| base form | aim |
|---|---|
| third person singular | aims |
| past tense | aimed |
| past participle | aimed |
Common combinations
- aiming high
- Students should be aiming high but also working steadily.
- aiming at
- The police warned that someone was aiming at the birds.
- aiming for
- Our team is aiming for the championship.
- aiming to
- She is aiming to run a marathon next year.
- aiming straight
- He kept aiming straight at the goal.
- aiming a camera
- A tourist was aiming a camera at the fountain.
Synonyms and how they differ
- targeting
- Targeting sounds more strategic and is common for advertising or attacks, while aiming also covers simply trying to achieve something.
- intending
- Intending describes a plan in the mind but does not suggest a specific direction or objective as aiming does.
- striving
- Striving stresses hard effort over time, whereas aiming can be a simple statement of a goal.
- pointing
- Pointing refers only to physical direction and never to goals or plans.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: aiming or aiming at vs aiming for?
aiming vs aiming at vs aiming for
Aiming at is mainly for pointing something at a target or a group, while aiming for is used for goals you want to reach, such as a grade or a place.
Practice
We are aiming ___ finish the project by Friday.
Choose one answer.
Aim is followed by to plus the base verb when it means intend. For and at need a noun phrase, not a bare verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “aiming”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.