a long-term goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long-term goal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing objectives or aspirations that are intended to be achieved over an extended period of time. Example: "One of my long-term goals is to save enough money to buy a house in the next five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a long-term goal.

The Guardian

And that's a long-term goal which I will implement.

The New York Times

And we need to look at a long-term goal.

The Washington Post

A long-term goal of many space agencies is to fly humans to Mars.

Independent

This club is not only manager-less, it lacks any form of a long-term goal.

The New York Times

The party might decide to make universal provision a long-term goal.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Last year nearly 200 countries agreed to a long term goal of phasing out fossil fuels.

The Guardian

"It's a long term goal.

Science Magazine

We envision a long term goal of working with our suppliers on emissions reductions.

Huffington Post

The 50th anniversary set up a long term goal for the Doctor.

Huffington Post

Whilst generating revenue is fundamentally important, it's not a long term goal.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define "a long-term goal" with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) criteria to ensure clarity and focus.

Common error

Avoid setting vague or unrealistic "long-term goals" without a concrete plan and dedicated effort. Ensure that your ambitions are grounded in reality and supported by actionable steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long-term goal" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an objective or aim that is planned to be achieved over an extended period, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long-term goal" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies an objective intended to be achieved over an extended period. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure your goal is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and break it down into smaller steps. Avoid confusing long-term goals with unrealistic aspirations. Alternatives such as "a long-term objective" or "a long-range plan" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that having a clear long-term goal can provide direction and motivation in various aspects of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long-term objective

Focuses on the objective nature of the goal.

a long-range plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect and extended timeframe.

a strategic aim

Highlights the strategic importance and purpose of the goal.

a sustained ambition

Underscores the ambition and its sustained effort.

a future aspiration

Highlights the aspirational nature of the goal related to the future.

a distant prospect

Emphasizes the remoteness and potential uncertainty of the goal.

a life's work

Indicates a goal that may take an entire lifetime to achieve.

a lasting endeavor

Stresses the enduring and continuous nature of the effort.

a perennial vision

Implies a vision that is enduring and constantly relevant.

an ultimate achievement

Highlights the magnitude and finality of the goal's accomplishment.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a long-term goal" and a short-term goal?

"A long-term goal" is something you plan to achieve over an extended period, typically years, while a short-term goal is achievable in weeks or months. For example, saving for retirement is "a long-term goal", while saving for a vacation is a short-term one.

What can I say instead of "a long-term goal"?

You can use alternatives like "a long-term objective", "a long-range plan", or "a strategic aim" depending on the specific context.

How do I set "a long-term goal" effectively?

To set "a long-term goal" effectively, make sure it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Break it down into smaller, manageable steps and regularly review your progress.

Why is it important to have "a long-term goal"?

Having "a long-term goal" provides direction and motivation in life. It helps you prioritize your actions, make informed decisions, and stay focused on what truly matters to you.