a challenging target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a challenging target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a goal or objective that is difficult to achieve. Example: "The team set a challenging target for the upcoming quarter, aiming to increase sales by 30%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

In rowing, six is always a challenging target.

The Guardian - Sport

"In the last parliament a challenging target was set and it was achieved," he said.

The Guardian

At such distances, a standing or walking deer -- let alone one that is running -- is a challenging target.

The New York Times - Sports

But they more than made amends for that sluggish beginning and eventually set the visitors a challenging target.

The Guardian - Sport

However, the Env trimer has proved to be a challenging target for 3D structure determination.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences

Thus the Bears, who lost only nine wickets in the day, set a challenging target of 182.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Still not great odds, but keeping the number under a trillion in my view represents a still challenging target, but a compromise between what may be achievable and staying out of the range of climate change where truly scary things become increasingly likely.

The New York Times

"It's a very challenging target," said Mr. Shah, a former F-16 pilot in Iraq whose extensive experience in Silicon Valley appealed to Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, who set up the unit during Mr. Obama's second term and recruited Mr. Shah.

The New York Times

Imaging at depth in tissue a more challenging target because imaging takes place through a turbid medium and we rely on backscattered probe light for detection, which decreases exponentially with depth [ 23].

Biomedical Optics Express

The overall budget is "a very challenging target," said Aurora's head, Bruno Gardini, at a press conference here.

Science Magazine

Among these, the possible induction of a ventricular arrhythmia known as Torsade de Pointes (TdP) represents a particularly challenging target.

Cardiovascular Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a challenging target", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the target challenging, providing specifics to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a challenging target" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a difficult goal" or "a tough objective" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a challenging target" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a direct object, subject complement, or object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show its usage in setting goals and describing objectives that require significant effort.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a challenging target" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a goal or objective that requires significant effort. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While synonyms like ""a difficult goal"" or ""a tough objective"" exist, "a challenging target" often implies a potentially rewarding outcome, adding a layer of motivation. It's important to provide context when using the phrase and avoid overuse to maintain writing quality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult goal

Focuses more directly on the difficulty of the objective, rather than the stimulating nature of the challenge.

a tough objective

Emphasizes the resilience and determination needed to achieve the goal.

a demanding aim

Highlights the high requirements and effort necessary.

a formidable task

Suggests the task is large and potentially intimidating.

an ambitious goal

Highlights the scale and scope of the target, suggesting it goes beyond the ordinary.

a stretch goal

Implies the goal is intentionally set beyond current capabilities to encourage growth.

a complex undertaking

Focuses on the multiple interconnected parts and difficulty in managing them.

an uphill battle

Suggests consistent opposition and resistance must be overcome.

a tall order

Indicates the request or expectation is significant and may be hard to fulfill.

a Herculean effort

Emphasizes the immense strength and effort required, referencing the feats of Hercules.

FAQs

What does "a challenging target" mean?

It refers to a goal or objective that requires significant effort, skill, and determination to achieve. It's not easily accomplished and pushes individuals or teams to their limits.

How can I use "a challenging target" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe goals in various contexts. For example, "The company set "a challenging target" for reducing carbon emissions by 50%."

What are some alternatives to saying "a challenging target"?

Consider using phrases like "a difficult goal", "a tough objective", or "an ambitious aim" to express a similar idea.

Is there a difference between "a challenging target" and "a difficult target"?

While similar, "a challenging target" often implies that the difficulty is stimulating and potentially rewarding, whereas "a difficult target" simply emphasizes the hardship without necessarily implying a positive aspect.