a sure target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sure target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is certain to be hit or affected, often in a context of criticism or attack. Example: "In the debate, the politician became a sure target for the opposition's attacks due to his controversial statements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A sure target.

The Guardian

His first move would be to head straight out of Seoul, a sure target in a war.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Second, I'm going to ask readers to, for this post, to put aside iOS apps that are games, communication utilities, extensions of large brands (I'm sure Target has a large install-base), native Apple apps (like iMovie), especially those that come preloaded, and basic utility apps like Fandango (for movie tickets) and so on — the apps that have the most downloads and the most competition.

TechCrunch

Now Gaga's making sure Target will have more money to give to anti-gay candidates by giving the store the exclusive rights to distribute a song that co-opts gay rights rhetoric!

Huffington Post

Many parents ready to pay the fine of $7,200 for a third child are still coerced or forced into having abortions to make sure targets are met, Ms. Pan said.

The New York Times

To make sure targets are met, work has begun on recruitment from schools, colleges and universities.

BBC

One of the most important reasons why unsuccessful results have been obtained so far by the SETI Project is due to the fact that no sure targets to aim at have been available up-to the present state of research.

Acta Astronautica

That kind of military operation was among 13 other occasions involving the "high end military skill set" of Canadian soldiers making sure "targets are legitimate".

Vice

If you're shooting at targets, make sure your target is sturdy and that the area is clear of bystanders.

WikiHow

A rangy, sure-handed target, Burress was also a crucial on-field presence for the Giants, a dependable deep threat and a favorite receiver for Manning in the end zone.

The New York Times - Sports

To get a small collectible basketball, make sure the target ball is not surrounded by any other basketballs.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sure target" when you want to emphasize the inevitability or certainty of something being targeted, whether in a literal or figurative sense.

Common error

Avoid using "a sure target" in situations where the vulnerability is already obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using more nuanced language to describe the degree of vulnerability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sure target" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "sure" modifies the noun "target". It describes something or someone with a high probability of being acted upon, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sure target" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase indicating a high probability of being targeted. Ludwig AI reports that the phrase is valid and appears mostly in News & Media. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys vulnerability or inevitability and has several alternative phrases that can be used depending on the specific context, such as "an easy target" or "a definite target". When writing, it's important to consider the potential for melodrama and ensure the phrase is appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy target

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in targeting.

a definite target

Highlights certainty in being targeted.

a vulnerable point

Focuses on the weakness that makes something a target.

an obvious target

Stresses the lack of concealment.

a prime target

Implies high desirability as a target.

a sitting duck

Suggests complete defenselessness.

an exposed flank

Indicates a strategically weak position.

a weak spot

Highlights a specific area of vulnerability.

an undefended position

Focuses on the lack of protection.

a helpless victim

Emphasizes the inability to resist being targeted.

FAQs

What does "a sure target" mean?

The phrase "a sure target" describes someone or something that is highly likely to be attacked, criticized, or affected negatively. It implies a high probability of being targeted.

What can I say instead of "a sure target"?

You can use alternatives like "an easy target", "a definite target", or "a prime target" depending on the context.

Is "a sure target" different from "an easy target"?

While similar, "a sure target" emphasizes the inevitability of being targeted, whereas "an easy target" highlights the lack of difficulty involved in the targeting process.

How can I use "a sure target" in a sentence?

For example, "The old building became "a sure target" for demolition due to its structural instability" or "The politician's controversial statements made him "a sure target" for criticism".