a soft goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a soft goal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal that is not strictly defined or is easily achievable, often in contrast to a hard or specific goal. Example: "While we aim for high performance, we also have a soft goal of improving team morale throughout the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"A soft goal," complained Evans.

The Guardian - Sport

"The disappointment for me is losing such a soft goal.

The Guardian - Sport

She was expressing a soft goal related to fairness.

Harvard Business Review

"It was a cheap free-kick," regretted Pardew, "and a soft goal".

Independent

Kevin Poulin came on in relief and surrendered a soft goal to Glass.

The New York Times - Sports

And somehow they concede a soft goal from the kick-off.

The Guardian - Sport

Finland take an unlikely lead on what was really kind of a soft goal on Lundqvist.

The Guardian - Sport

The Wolves manager, Mick McCarthy, called it "a soft goal," and he had a point.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Solving for care may seem like a "softer" goal than finding the medical breakthroughs, but it isn't.

Huffington Post

At Google (which has funded some of our research on other topics), a soft-goal problem emerged with an algorithm that determines which ads to display.

Harvard Business Review

We gifted them a penalty and let in a really soft goal.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a soft goal", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to an easy objective or a less tangible, more abstract aim.

Common error

Avoid using "a soft goal" when a more precise term is needed to prevent ambiguity. If the goal is measurable, use specific metrics instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a soft goal" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a goal that is either easily attainable or lacks specific, measurable criteria. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a soft goal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an objective that lacks rigid definition or is readily achievable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context, as more precise language might be necessary in highly formal or technical settings. Common alternatives include “an easy target” or “a flexible objective”. Remember to use "a soft goal" when you need to describe objectives that are not strictly defined or are easily attainable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy target

Focuses on the ease of achievement, emphasizing the lack of difficulty.

a simple objective

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the goal, suggesting it's straightforward.

a lenient aim

Emphasizes the flexible or forgiving nature of the goal.

a relaxed target

Suggests a non-demanding or low-pressure goal.

an undemanding goal

Highlights the lack of strenuous requirements to achieve the goal.

a readily attainable objective

Focuses on the ease and speed with which the goal can be reached.

an easily reached target

Similar to 'easy target', this emphasizes the simplicity of achieving the goal.

a flexible objective

Highlights the adaptability and lack of rigidity in the goal's parameters.

a loosely defined target

Indicates that the goal lacks specific parameters or strict requirements.

a non-stringent aim

Stresses the absence of strictness or severity in achieving the goal.

FAQs

How can I use "a soft goal" in a sentence?

You can use "a soft goal" to describe an objective that is easily achievable or one that is not strictly defined. For example, "improving team morale" could be considered "a soft goal" if not accompanied by specific metrics.

What are some alternatives to saying "a soft goal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an easy target", "a simple objective", or "a flexible objective".

Is "a soft goal" the same as "an easy goal"?

While similar, "a soft goal" can imply a less tangible or measurable objective, whereas "an easy goal" primarily focuses on the lack of difficulty in achieving it. They overlap, but aren't always interchangeable.

When should I avoid using the term "a soft goal"?

Avoid using "a soft goal" when discussing objectives that require precise measurement or have critical, non-negotiable outcomes. In such cases, more specific terminology is better.