aspire to be like vs aspire to be

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Aspire to be like' is used when you want to be similar to someone in certain aspects, while 'aspire to be' is used when you have a general goal or ambition without specifying a particular person.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1888 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"aspire to be like"

This phrase is used when you want to express your desire to be similar to someone in certain aspects or qualities.

Examples:

I aspire to be like my role model in terms of dedication and hard work.
She aspires to be like her mother, who is a strong and compassionate woman.

Show examples from the web [+]

Who do you aspire to be like? I believe there is a very powerful life hack the people we choose to surround ourselves with. No matter what we are looking to do, ...
There in no one living person I aspire to be like. However, there are a great many people with qualities, talents and abilities that I wish I had. For instance ...
I don't aspire to be like other drivers - I aspire to be unique in my own way. Lewis Hamilton · Drivers, Unique · Every bit of me is devoted to love and art.
“One of the best things you can be is an asset to someone you aspire to be like.” Who is a leader you admire, and what will you do (this week!) to make yourself ...

Alternatives:

aspire to emulate
aspire to resemble
aspire to imitate
aspire to mirror
aspire to follow in the footsteps of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"aspire to be"

This phrase is used when you have a general goal or ambition without specifying a particular person you want to be like.

Examples:

I aspire to be a successful entrepreneur.
She aspires to be a great artist known for her unique style.

Show examples from the web [+]

I aspire to be acquainted with wiser men than this our Concord soil has produced , whose names are hardly known here. But he could not aspire to the dominion ...
(usually foll by: to or after) to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something): to aspire to be a great leader. 2. to rise to a ...
I can and do aspire to be greater than the sum total of my experiences, but I accept my limitations. I willingly accept that we who judge must not deny the ...
usually foll by to or after to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something) ⇒ to aspire to be a great leader; to rise to a ...

Alternatives:

aspire to achieve
aspire to become
aspire to reach
aspire to attain
aspire to accomplish

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aspire to be like vs aspire to be

"aspire to be like"

"aspire to be"

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