Set himself the goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set himself the goal" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who has made a personal commitment or decision to achieve a specific objective. Example: After years of hard work and dedication, John finally set himself the goal of becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Miliband has set himself the goal of increasing participation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In January last year he had set himself the goal of raising £10,000.

The Guardian - Money

In his next symphony, he set himself the goal of bringing to the surface the joy inherent in creation.

The New Yorker

He has set himself the goal of more than doubling margins to around 6% (respectable for the car industry) before the end of 2010.

The Economist

Gardiner set himself the goal of engaging 50,000 followers, and whatever you think of the morality of it, the tactics he used were smart.

The Guardian - Tech

While working, he took manuscripts to the office and set himself the goal of writing at least one sentence a day.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Instead, McNeil, a pioneering transplant physician at Papworth in the 1980s, set himself the goals of making the growing Cambridge biomedical campus a world-class facility, developing leadership skills across the organisation and re-engaging clinicians with the management.

The Guardian

Recall our final challenge from Mean Questions With Harmonious Answers: Chris decides to do a 180-kilometer bike ride and sets himself the goal of averaging 30 kilometers per hour overall.

Huffington Post

He has set himself the ambitious goal of creating 100m jobs by 2019, but says this depends on the Chinese government adopting a more positive attitude towards entrepreneurs, who do not have an easy life in his country.

The Economist

The more often corporate lawyers erected roadblocks, the more passionately Mr. Kaster set himself on the goal of knocking them down.

The New York Times

Mr. Mandela sets himself the considerably more improbable goal of uniting country behind the team.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set himself the goal" when you want to emphasize a personal decision to achieve a specific objective. For instance, use it when describing a character's motivation in a story or an individual's plan for self-improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "set himself the goal" when describing a vague aspiration or wish. "Goal" implies a concrete, achievable target, whereas a "dream" is more abstract and less defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set himself the goal" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of establishing a specific objective for oneself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase typically introduces a statement of intent or a defined target.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set himself the goal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that someone has established a specific objective for themselves. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of intentionality and determination. The phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal narratives. Related phrases such as "set himself the target" or "committed himself to" offer similar meanings, but with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the "goal" is a concrete, achievable target rather than a vague aspiration. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "set himself the goal" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Set himself the target

Replaces "goal" with "target", implying a specific, measurable objective.

Set himself the aim

Substitutes "goal" with "aim", suggesting a broader intention or aspiration.

Set out to achieve

Changes the structure to a verb phrase, focusing on the action of striving.

Made it his objective

Uses "objective" instead of "goal", adding a slightly more formal tone.

Committed himself to

Shifts the focus to the commitment and dedication required.

Decided to pursue

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect and the act of following a path.

Took it upon himself to

Highlights the personal responsibility and initiative taken.

Undertook to accomplish

Implies a formal agreement or promise to complete a task.

Resolved to achieve

Suggests a firm decision and determination to succeed.

Strove towards

Focuses on the effort and continuous progress towards a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "set himself the goal" in a sentence?

You can use "set himself the goal" to describe someone who has made a conscious decision to achieve something specific. For example, "He "set himself the goal" of running a marathon this year".

What are some alternatives to "set himself the goal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "set himself the target", "made it his objective", or "committed himself to".

Is it grammatically correct to say "set himself the goal"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "set himself a goal" and "set himself the goal"?

"Set himself a goal" implies one of many possible goals. "Set himself the goal" suggests a specific goal already known or under discussion.