aim at/ aim to

[yslamac]

It seems to me that there is no obvious difference between "aim to" and "aim at"; however, there should be trivial difference between any 2 expressions. May I know how they differ in usage?

1. The course aims to provide an exclusive platform for students to exchange ideas.

2. The course aims at providing an exclusive platform for students to exchange ideas.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.


I don't think it's aim at/aim to, but rather aim at/aim.


You either aim at + verb(ing) or aim + to infinitive. I don't see any significant difference in meaning.

 

[emsr2d2]

"The course aims at providing ..." is completely unnatural.

"The course aims to provide ..." is correct.

 

[Odessa Dawn]

I do not understand, ems. Is it unnatural because the verb provide ends in –ing? If not, may I know why it is unnatural?

 

[bhaisahab]

Aim at a target.
Aim to hit a target.

 

[Tarheel]

You aim at something because you want to hit it (a target). You aim to do something because you want to accomplish that objective.