a specific goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific goal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a clearly defined objective or target that one aims to achieve. Example: "In order to improve our performance, we need to set a specific goal for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dowling suggests starting with a specific goal.

The Washington Post

Have a specific goal before you hit each ball".

The New York Times

To spice up the challenge, I gave myself a specific goal -- breaking six minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

The second option would be to include a specific goal on sustainable landscapes.

The Guardian

It is a remarkable document about the creative process in the service of a specific goal.

The Guardian - Film

Without a specific goal, Mr. Zubrin said, the agency's programs have become a less effective hodgepodge.

The New York Times - Science

Asked how she expected to fare, Whaley declined to offer a specific goal.

The New York Times - Sports

We were there to achieve a specific goal, not to make each other feel better.

The Guardian

Roosevelt's resolution of this question in Stevens's favour permitted work to proceed toward a specific goal.

Britannica

All have access to very sophisticated technology and are focused on a specific goal.

The Guardian

People with low moral justification did not overstate their performance, even when given a specific goal.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting "a specific goal", ensure it aligns with the overall strategy or vision to maximize its impact. A well-aligned goal contributes more effectively to the broader objectives.

Common error

Avoid setting overly broad or vague goals. Instead of aiming for something like "improve sales", define "a specific goal" such as "increase sales by 15% in the next quarter through targeted marketing campaigns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific goal" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a clearly defined objective or target. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific goal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to denote a well-defined objective. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To maximize effectiveness, ensure your "a specific goal" is clear, measurable, and aligns with broader objectives. By avoiding vague or overly broad aspirations, you can leverage the power of "a specific goal" to drive progress and achieve desired outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defined objective

This alternative replaces "goal" with "objective" and "specific" with "defined" retaining the meaning of a clearly stated target.

a clear target

This option uses "target" instead of "goal" and "clear" instead of "specific", suggesting a well-defined aim.

a particular aim

Replacing "specific" with "particular" and "goal" with "aim" keeps the essence of a distinct purpose.

a concrete objective

Uses "concrete" to emphasize the tangibility and clarity of the objective, instead of using the term "specific".

a well-defined purpose

Substituting "goal" with "purpose" and adding "well-defined" provides clarity about the intention.

a set target

This alternative implies that the goal has been previously defined.

a precise objective

This alternative implies that the goal is accurate and well-defined.

a strategic objective

This alternative suggests that the goal has a key role within a broader strategy.

a designated target

This option suggests that the goal was assigned by an external entity.

a measurable outcome

This emphasizes the ability to quantify the achievement of the goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific goal" to define a clear objective. For example: "Our team is working towards "a specific goal" of increasing user engagement by 20% this quarter." Ensure your goal is measurable and well-defined.

What are some alternatives to "a specific goal"?

Alternatives include "a defined objective", "a clear target", or "a particular aim". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey in your writing.

What makes a goal "specific"?

A specific goal is clearly defined, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). It answers the who, what, when, where, and why questions to provide clarity and focus.

Is it always necessary to have "a specific goal"?

While not always mandatory, having "a specific goal" significantly enhances focus and productivity. It allows for better tracking of progress and provides a clear direction for efforts. In some exploratory phases, a broader objective might suffice initially, but eventually, it's beneficial to define a more precise target.