a firm target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific, well-defined goal or objective that is intended to be achieved. Example: "Our team has set a firm target for increasing sales by 20% by the end of the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Chinese rejected a firm target.

The New York Times

But he also understood that it's very hard to maintain the fiscal discipline needed to pay down debt unless you establish a firm target.

The New York Times

But it said it would not agree a firm target, presented either as an emissions reduction or as a maximum temperature rise.

The Guardian

Because we cannot measure our progress by quantitative metrics alone, it is not a firm target that we can say we will achieve by a certain date.

The Guardian

Markets are not going to turn against you, [but] you must have got a firm target for deficit reduction that you are going to hit, come what may".

The Guardian

At stake is whether the EU opts for a 35% or 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 1990 levels, and whether the bloc sets a firm target for renewable energy generation by 2030.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Being registered as a kit car makes it exempt from regulations laid down by DOT". Further, he explained, the company is nothing more than a "coordinating agent" between potential buyers and a Dutch firm, Target Imports of Amsterdam.

Los Angeles Times

I was interviewing for an internship at DAE Agency, an advertising firm targeting Asian Americans, and they explained that my cultural dissonance was because I'd moved to a new country before I became a teenager.

Vice

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), an accounting firm, targets 200 universities and gives a partner responsibility for each.

The Economist

Initial Capital was launched in 2011 as an investment firm targeting early stage startups in Israel and Brazil.

TechCrunch

Therefore, determining a firm's target audience is paramount for success.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a firm target", ensure that the target is quantifiable or has clearly defined success criteria to allow for effective progress tracking and evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm target" when you actually mean a general aspiration or hope. A "firm target" needs to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Otherwise, it's just a wish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm target" functions as a noun phrase, where "firm" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "target". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm target" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a specific, well-defined, and strongly intended goal. Ludwig AI indicates that it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the target is quantifiable and clearly defined. Alternative phrases include "a definite goal" or "a specific objective", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using "a firm target" to describe a vague aspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite goal

Replaces "target" with a more general term "goal" and "firm" with "definite" suggesting clarity and certainty.

a specific objective

Substitutes "firm" with "specific" highlighting precision and detail in the objective.

a clear aim

Uses "aim" instead of "target" implying intention and direction, and replaces "firm" with "clear" emphasizing lack of ambiguity.

a fixed objective

Replaces "firm" with "fixed", suggesting the objective is unchangeable and established.

a set goal

Emphasizes the act of establishing the goal, rather than its nature.

a determined objective

Highlights the resolve and intention behind the objective.

a solid objective

Uses "solid" to convey the reliability and well-founded nature of the objective.

a concrete target

Replaces "firm" with "concrete" suggesting a tangible and realistic goal.

a precise goal

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the goal.

an unwavering goal

Highlights the steadfastness and persistence towards achieving the goal.

FAQs

How do you use "a firm target" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm target" to describe a specific and well-defined goal. For example: "The company has "a firm target" for reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030."

What are some alternatives to "a firm target"?

Alternatives to "a firm target" include "a definite goal", "a specific objective", or "a clear aim". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the target, such as clarity, specificity, or intention.

What makes a target "firm"?

A target is considered "firm" when it is clearly defined, realistically achievable, and strongly committed to. It is not ambiguous or subject to frequent changes.

Is it better to set "a firm target" or a flexible one?

The choice between "a firm target" and a flexible one depends on the context. "A firm target" is suitable when stability and commitment are crucial, while a flexible target might be preferable in rapidly changing environments.