The secondary aim was
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to introduce your 'bonus' goals after you have already stated your main objective.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to introduce a goal that is important but not primary.
- Common in academic writing, research reports, and professional presentations.
- Helps organize multiple objectives in a clear, logical hierarchy.
Significado
This phrase is used to explain a goal that is important but not the most important one. It is like saying, 'My main plan was X, but I also wanted to achieve Y.'
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Writing a university lab report
The secondary aim was to observe the reaction at room temperature.
The secondary aim was to observe the reaction at room temperature.
Explaining a business strategy to a board
The secondary aim was to increase brand awareness in the youth market.
The secondary aim was to increase brand awareness in the youth market.
Discussing a fitness plan with a trainer
My primary goal is weight loss, but the secondary aim was to improve my flexibility.
My primary goal is weight loss, but the secondary aim was to improve my flexibility.
Contexto cultural
This expression is rooted in the Enlightenment era's focus on structured inquiry and the scientific method. It reflects a Western cultural preference for linear logic and explicit prioritization in professional communication. In modern business, it aligns with 'KPI' (Key Performance Indicator) culture where every action must have a documented purpose.
The 'Primary' Rule
Always mention a 'primary aim' or 'main goal' before using this phrase. It needs a point of comparison to make sense!
Don't Overuse
If you have five goals, don't say 'The secondary aim... the third aim... the fourth aim.' Use a list instead.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to introduce a goal that is important but not primary.
- Common in academic writing, research reports, and professional presentations.
- Helps organize multiple objectives in a clear, logical hierarchy.
What It Means
Imagine you are planning a road trip. Your main goal is to reach the beach. However, you also want to see a famous statue along the way. That statue is your secondary aim. In academic or professional writing, this phrase introduces your 'Plan B' goals. It shows you have a clear hierarchy of priorities. It tells your reader exactly what was a bonus objective versus the main mission.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of a sentence. It follows a description of your primary goal. Use it to transition smoothly between different objectives. You can pair it with words like to investigate, to determine, or to evaluate. It sounds very organized and logical. It makes you look like someone who thinks three steps ahead. Just don't use it for your grocery list unless you want to sound like a robot.
When To Use It
This is a superstar phrase for research papers and business reports. Use it during a presentation to show depth in your strategy. It works perfectly when explaining a project to your boss. Use it when you have multiple outcomes to track. It is great for scientific methods or grant proposals. It helps clarify that if the first goal fails, the whole project isn't a waste.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very casual settings with close friends. Don't say it while ordering a pizza. 'The secondary aim was to get extra olives' sounds incredibly stiff. It is too heavy for a quick text message about dinner plans. Also, avoid it if you only have one single goal. Using it implies there is a primary aim somewhere nearby. If there isn't, your listener will be very confused.
Cultural Background
Western academic culture loves structure and categorization. We like to break big ideas into smaller, manageable pieces. This phrase comes from the tradition of the 'Scientific Method'. It reflects a mindset of thoroughness and precision. In English-speaking corporate worlds, being 'goal-oriented' is a huge compliment. This phrase is the linguistic tool for that specific cultural value. It shows you are disciplined and analytical.
Common Variations
You might hear people say a collateral objective or a subsidiary goal. In more modern offices, they might say a secondary focus. Some people use another key objective was to sound slightly less formal. If you want to be very fancy, try an ancillary purpose. However, the secondary aim was remains the gold standard for clarity. It is the 'little black dress' of research reporting—always appropriate and never out of style.
Notas de uso
This is a high-register expression. It is most effective in writing or formal presentations. Avoid using it in text messages or casual conversation unless you are being intentionally ironic or humorous.
The 'Primary' Rule
Always mention a 'primary aim' or 'main goal' before using this phrase. It needs a point of comparison to make sense!
Don't Overuse
If you have five goals, don't say 'The secondary aim... the third aim... the fourth aim.' Use a list instead.
The 'Understated' Goal
In British English, people sometimes use this phrase to hide their real main goal if it's too aggressive. It's a way to sound more humble.
Exemplos
6The secondary aim was to observe the reaction at room temperature.
The secondary aim was to observe the reaction at room temperature.
Clearly separates the main experiment from the side observation.
The secondary aim was to increase brand awareness in the youth market.
The secondary aim was to increase brand awareness in the youth market.
Shows the speaker has multiple strategic targets.
My primary goal is weight loss, but the secondary aim was to improve my flexibility.
My primary goal is weight loss, but the secondary aim was to improve my flexibility.
Used to categorize personal goals in a structured way.
The primary goal was to celebrate, but the secondary aim was to eat all the cake.
The primary goal was to celebrate, but the secondary aim was to eat all the cake.
Using formal language for a silly situation creates a funny effect.
The secondary aim was to recruit new volunteers for the summer program.
The secondary aim was to recruit new volunteers for the summer program.
Highlights a long-term benefit beyond the immediate event.
The secondary aim was simply to find some peace of mind after the move.
The secondary aim was simply to find some peace of mind after the move.
Adds a layer of personal motivation to a major action.
Teste-se
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence in a formal report.
The primary goal was to reduce costs; however, the ___ was to improve employee morale.
'Secondary aim' is the standard formal expression for a subordinate goal in a report.
Complete the sentence to show a hierarchy of goals.
While we focused on sales, the ___ was to gather customer feedback.
This phrase correctly identifies the feedback as a secondary, yet important, objective.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Level of 'The secondary aim was'
Talking to a roommate about snacks.
I also wanted...
Explaining a hobby to a new friend.
Another goal was...
Writing a thesis or business proposal.
The secondary aim was...
Legal or highly technical documentation.
The ancillary objective involved...
Where to use 'The secondary aim was'
Academic Paper
Explaining research sub-goals.
Project Meeting
Outlining team objectives.
Grant Application
Justifying funding for extra tasks.
Self-Reflection
Analyzing personal growth steps.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt might sound a bit stiff. Try using I also wanted to... or Another thing I hoped for was... instead for a friendlier vibe.
Yes, they are very similar. Aim sounds slightly more academic or British, while goal is very common in American business.
Yes, usually. The secondary aim was... is the standard grammatical structure for this specific expression.
Absolutely! You can say The secondary aims were... (plural) if you have a list of minor objectives.
Second just means number two in a list. Secondary implies that it is less important than the first one.
Yes, but mostly in formal speeches, lectures, or serious business meetings. You won't hear it much at a pub.
Yes! My secondary aim was... makes it more personal, while The secondary aim... sounds more objective and scientific.
If you are reporting on a completed project, use was. If you are planning for the future, use is or will be.
Yes, it is a perfect C1-level phrase for the IELTS writing task, especially when describing a process or purpose.
In a report, no. In a love letter, definitely. Context is everything with this expression!
Frases relacionadas
A subsidiary goal
A goal that supports the main objective but is less important.
Ancillary benefits
Extra positive things that happen as a result of your main action.
A secondary focus
Something you are paying attention to, but not as much as your main task.
Of secondary importance
An adjective phrase used to describe something that isn't the priority.
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