Aim vs. Objective vs. Goal

synonyms

Have you ever wondered about the differences between 'aim', 'objective', and 'goal'? Well, in this lesson, we are gonna learn all about them. So, come with us.

"Aim" vs. "Objective" vs. "Goal" in English

What Are Their Main Differences?

All of these words refer to something we plan to achieve. However, 'aim' and 'goal' are more general terms and it may take a long time to achieve them, but 'objective' is more detail-based and is more tangible.

Differences

We can use 'goal' and 'aim' when we want to talk about a general thing we want to achieve. It may take a long time till we achieve them. Look below:

My aim in this seminar is to fully equip you with all the necessary skills you need to become a critical thinker.

Her goal is to have read 20 novels in a year.

However, 'objectives' are the actions we take to accomplish our goals. They are measurable and we can multiply them. Look at the following examples:

My objective is to have lost 2 pounds by the end of this month.

Similarities

All three of them refer to something we plan to achieve and if we can do it, we succeed. Check out the following examples:

One of our objectives is to provide a better place for people to live in.

What was you aim when you were a kid?

They say plan your goals and start taking action towards them daily.

Are They Interchangeable?

Many native speakers use these three nouns interchangeably. Note that 'aim' and 'objective' is more common in formal, written English, rather than in spoken, everyday English. Check out the following examples:

✓ It is our goal to have read as many literary works as we can.

✓ It is our aim to have read as many literary works as we can.

✓ It is our objective to have read as many literary works as we can.

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