Table of Contents
Introduction
When you want to talk about your dreams, ambitions, or plans for the future, having the right vocabulary and phrases can make your conversation more effective and confident.
Here are some expressions you can use to talk about your short-term goals, long-term aspirations, and future plans in English.
Talking About Goals and Aspirations in English
Use the following useful phrases and expressions when talking about goals and aspirations:
1. Expressing Your Goals
Use these phrases to state your goals clearly:
- “I want to…”
Example: I want to improve my English skills. - “My goal is to…”
Example: My goal is to become a software engineer. - “I hope to…”
Example: I hope to travel the world someday. - “I’m planning to…”
Example: I’m planning to start my own business. - “I’m aiming to…”
Example: I’m aiming to graduate with honors.
2. Talking About Aspirations
These expressions can help you describe your dreams and aspirations:
- “I dream of…”
Example: I dream of living in a big city. - “I’ve always wanted to…”
Example: I’ve always wanted to write a book. - “My ultimate goal is to…”
Example: My ultimate goal is to become a doctor. - “I aspire to…”
Example: I aspire to make a positive impact on the world. - “One day, I’d like to…”
Example: One day, I’d like to own a house by the beach.
3. Explaining Why Your Goals Are Important
Use these phrases to explain your motivation or reasoning:
- “This goal is important to me because…”
Example: This goal is important to me because it will help me grow personally. - “I want to achieve this because…”
Example: I want to achieve this because it’s been my dream since childhood. - “Achieving this goal will allow me to…”
Example: Achieving this goal will allow me to provide a better future for my family.
4. Setting Timelines for Your Goals
Use these expressions to talk about when you plan to achieve your goals:
- “I plan to achieve this by…”
Example: I plan to achieve this by the end of the year. - “In the next five years, I hope to…”
Example: In the next five years, I hope to open my own shop. - “By this time next year, I want to…”
Example: By this time next year, I want to have completed my degree.
5. Talking About Progress and Steps
These phrases can help you discuss the steps you’re taking to achieve your goals:
- “I’m currently working on…”
Example: I’m currently working on improving my communication skills. - “I’ve started by…”
Example: I’ve started by taking online courses. - “The first step I’m taking is to…”
Example: The first step I’m taking is to create a detailed plan. - “I’m making progress by…”
Example: I’m making progress by practicing every day.
6. Talking About Challenges and Motivation
When talking about challenges or staying motivated, try these phrases:
- “It’s not easy, but I’m determined to…”
Example: It’s not easy, but I’m determined to succeed. - “I know there will be obstacles, but…”
Example: I know there will be obstacles, but I’m ready to face them. - “I’m motivated by…”
Example: I’m motivated by my family’s support.
Practice Using These Expressions
To get better at talking about your goals and aspirations, try:
- Writing a short paragraph using 5–10 of these expressions.
- Practicing with a friend or teacher by discussing your dreams and plans.
- Reflecting on your own goals and how you’ll achieve them.
You may also want to read what aspirations mean!