Aim to Do: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
February 5, 2024

"Aim to do" is commonly used to express an intention, plan, or objective to perform a specific action or achieve a particular goal. It indicates a purposeful direction or target that someone has set for themselves.

In short:

  • It denotes a purposeful intention or objective to perform an action or achieve a goal.
  • It's used in contexts of planning, goal-setting, or expressing ambitions.

What Does "Aim to Do" Mean?

This phrase signifies a deliberate or planned attempt to accomplish something. It is used when someone has a specific goal and intends to take action to reach it. For example, saying, "I aim to finish my report by tomorrow," conveys a clear intention to complete the report within a specified time frame.

More about the phrase's meaning:

  • It suggests a certain level of determination or commitment.
  • The phrase can be applied in various contexts, including personal goals, professional objectives, and public policies.
  • It's about setting a direction or target for oneself or others.

Where Does "Aim to Do" Come From?

The phrase "aim to do" has its origins in the literal sense of "aim," which involves directing a weapon or an effort at a target. "Aim" is derived from Middle English "amen, aimen, eimen," meaning "to guess at, to estimate, to aim." The compound was perhaps originally formed in Medieval Latin as "adaestimare," or perhaps in Old French.

10 Examples of "Aim to Do" in Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate the use of this phrase:

  • Our company aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% in five years.
  • I aim to complete my Master's degree within the next two years.
  • The government aims to increase healthcare funding in response to the recent crisis.
  • She aimed to do more than just survive; she was destined for greatness.
  • The new policy aims to provide better support for small businesses.
  • Rest assured, I aim to do everything I can to ensure your success and provide unwavering support.
  • The team aims to improve their performance in the upcoming matches.
  • He aims to travel around the world and experience different cultures.
  • Just for kicks, let's aim to do something completely out of the ordinary and embrace the unexpected.
  • The program aims to equip young people with the skills they need for the job market.

Examples of "Aim to Do" in Pop Culture

In pop culture, "aim to do" is often used to depict characters' or real-life figures' intentions, ambitions, or plans.

Examples include:

  • The song “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz contains the lyrics: "It’s what we aim to do. Our name is our virtue." The song is a popular hit that talks about love and surrendering to it.
  • The book Enhancing the Well-being of Children and Families through Effective ... contains the quote: "Other interventions to improve children's life chances may aim to do so even less ..."
  • Frank Saliki's book Arise and Shine contains the quote: "They will aim to do what they think they can do and will not go for anything that they do not know how to do it."

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Aim to Do"

Here are some synonyms or similar phrases:

  • Plan to do
  • Intend to do
  • Aspire to do
  • Strive to do
  • Set out to do
  • Seek to do
  • Hope to do
  • Endeavor to do
  • Work towards doing
  • Have the goal to do

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Aim to Do":

  • Is "aim to do" a formal phrase?

It's a moderately formal phrase, suitable

for both professional and casual contexts.

  • Can "aim to do" be used in a business plan?

Yes, it's commonly used in business plans to outline goals and objectives.

  • Does "aim to do" imply certainty of achievement?

No, it implies intention but not a guarantee of achievement.

  • Is "aim to do" appropriate in academic writing?

Yes, it can be used to express objectives or goals in academic writing.

  • Can "aim to do" be used to describe collective goals?

Yes, it can refer to the goals of a group or organization as well as individual intentions.

  • How does "aim to do" differ from "hope to do"?

"Aim to do" suggests a more active and planned approach than "hope to do," which implies desire without specific planning.

  • Can "aim to do" be used in personal goal setting?

Yes, it's often used for personal goals and aspirations.

  • Is "aim to do" a motivational phrase?

It can be motivational, as it expresses determination and purpose.

  • Does "aim to do" always require a specific action or goal?

Typically, yes. The phrase usually involves a specific action or objective.

  • Can "aim to do" be used in casual conversation?

Yes, it's suitable for both casual and formal discussions.

Final Thoughts About "Aim to Do"

The phrase "aim to do" is a clear and effective way to express intentions and objectives, both in personal and professional contexts. It reflects a purposeful and planned approach to achieving specific goals or outcomes.

To recap:

  • It is commonly used to articulate planned intentions or objectives.
  • Applicable in various contexts, from individual aspirations to organizational goals.
  • The phrase emphasizes a proactive stance towards achieving a desired result.

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