a common target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is frequently aimed at or sought after by multiple parties. Example: "In the debate over climate change, fossil fuels have become a common target for environmental activists."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A giant snowball fight — with police cars and sport utility vehicles a common target — intensified.

The New York Times

Across England, looters appeared attracted to fashion retailers and stores containing high-value goods – the electrical store Currys was a common target, as were jewellery shops.

The Guardian

Rembrandt von Rijn is widely regarded as one of the finest painters in European art history and his work has become a common target for thieves.

The Guardian - Arts

Even partial numbers should be avoided, the report said, because as they have become more widely used, they have become a common target for phishing.

The New York Times

Foreign oil companies and their workers have also been a common target of southern insurgents, who demand a greater share in the nation's oil profits.

The New York Times

Newspapers are a common target.

TechCrunch

The lung is a common target in these disciplines.

Annals of Intensive Care

All these TV upstarts share a common target: Univision.

Forbes

In these approaches, each node employs a common target CW size for fair channel access.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

There are ten microphones, three shooter positions, and a common target.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Stampedes often occur if people start to rush towards a common target.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common target", ensure clarity by specifying who shares the target and what the target entails. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common target" without clearly defining the target's boundaries or scope. Vague references can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common target" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something that is frequently the object of actions or intentions by multiple actors. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common target" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies a shared goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's prevalent in diverse fields like science, news, and business, as shown by the numerous examples provided. When using "a common target", clarity is key; clearly define who shares the target and what it entails. Alternatives such as "a joint target" or "a shared objective" can offer nuanced variations, emphasizing collaboration or agreement. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, defining the target's scope remains crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a joint target

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of the target, emphasizing teamwork or partnership.

a shared objective

Highlights the agreement among parties on what they are trying to achieve.

a mutual goal

Emphasizes the reciprocal benefit or desire associated with the target.

a collective aim

Stresses the unified effort or direction of a group.

a unified focus

Indicates a singular, concentrated point of attention or effort.

a converging point

Highlights where different efforts or intentions meet.

a common aim

A more concise way of saying “a common target” with a slight shift in formality.

a shared focus

Emphasizes the element of shared attention.

a unifying purpose

Indicates the target brings people or efforts together under a single purpose.

a popular objective

Highlights widespread support or agreement on the objective.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common target" to describe something that multiple entities are aiming for, such as, "Improving customer satisfaction is "a common target" for all departments in the company".

What are some alternatives to "a common target"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared objective", "a mutual goal", or "a joint target" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "common target" or "shared target"?

Both "common target" and "shared target" are acceptable, but "common target" is slightly more frequent. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "shared target" emphasizes the collaborative aspect more strongly.

What does it mean when people say something is "a common target"?

It means that multiple individuals or groups are directing their efforts, actions, or intentions toward the same goal or objective. For instance, in cybersecurity, point-of-sale systems are "a common target" for hackers.