a principal target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a principal target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main focus or objective of an action, strategy, or plan. Example: "In the upcoming campaign, the organization identified a principal target to address the pressing issues in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But the projects all share a principal target market: the wealthiest residents in the city.

The Guardian

That market failure is a principal target of the Obama administration's plan.

The New York Times

I wasn't a principal target, but they certainly were there to kill everybody they could.

The Washington Post

T-cells are the infection-fighting cells of the immune system that are a principal target of the AIDS virus.

The New York Times

One of these is Irish-born Stephen Keating, who the CCC confirmed was a principal target of the joint investigation.

The Guardian - Money

A principal target was to stop the indigenous Muslim leadership in America from tinkering with the religion".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Amazonia is a principal targets of this process, owing to the expansion of the agribusiness frontier throughout the transition with the Cerrado biome, the zone known as the "Arc of Deforestation".

Forest Ecology and Management

Using a mechanism-based kinetic trapping technique to identify disulfide exchange interactions on the intact surface of living lymphocytes, we found that Trx1 catalytically interacts with a single principal target protein.

EMBO Journal

Researchers have discovered that an impressive raft of metabolic and reproductive hormones will activate bone tissue, often at doses much smaller than what is required to arouse the breast, gonads or other organs presumed to be a hormone's principal target.

The New York Times - Science

VEGFR-2 is the principal receptor that promotes the proangiogenic action of VEGF-A and has been the principal target of antiangiogenic therapies, although additional studies have underlined the importance of signaling through VEGFR-1.

Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 is the principal receptor that promotes the pro-angiogenic action of VEGF-A and has been the principal target of anti-angiogenic therapies, although additional studies have underlined the importance of signalling through VEGFR-1 (Carmeliet et al, 2001).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a principal target", ensure that the context clearly establishes what actions or strategies are directed towards achieving that target. Providing specific details about the target and the intended outcome enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a principal target" is universally understood. Clearly define the target and its significance to prevent misinterpretations. Be specific about why this target is prioritized over others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a principal target" functions as a noun phrase identifying the main objective or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, indicating its role in specifying the primary focus of an action or strategy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a principal target" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the main objective or goal in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. It serves to clearly define and highlight the primary focus, guiding actions and decisions towards a specific aim. While alternatives like "a primary objective" or "a key focus" exist, "a principal target" remains a direct and effective way to emphasize importance. The phrase's neutrality makes it appropriate for diverse audiences and professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary objective

Emphasizes the importance of the goal.

a key focus

Highlights the central area of attention.

a main priority

Stresses the level of importance above other concerns.

a central aim

Focuses on the core purpose or intention.

a chief goal

Indicates the most important goal to achieve.

a prime concern

Highlights the foremost worry or consideration.

a leading target

Implies being ahead or in front of the other targets.

the main objective

More direct by using 'the' instead of 'a'.

the central focus

More direct by using 'the' instead of 'a'.

the primary concern

More direct by using 'the' instead of 'a'.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a principal target" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a principal target", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the actor, the action, and the intended outcome related to the target. For instance, "The company's "a principal target" is increasing market share through innovative product development" clearly defines the objective.

What phrases can I use as alternatives to "a principal target"?

Alternatives to "a principal target" include "a primary objective", "a key focus", or "a main priority". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "a principal target" or "the principal target"?

The choice between "a principal target" and "the principal target" depends on whether the target is one of many or the single most important one. Use "a principal target" when it is one of several important targets, and use "the principal target" when it is the single most important one.

What is the difference between "a principal target" and "a secondary target"?

"A principal target" refers to the main objective or goal, while "a secondary target" refers to a less important or supporting objective. Prioritize actions and resources accordingly to achieve the principal target efficiently.