an initial target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a starting point or goal in a plan or project. Example: "Our team has set an initial target for the project's completion by the end of the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Battle Broadens On April 26, Mayor Bloomberg stood before a microphone at City Hall to announce an initiative to prod food companies to cut salt in earnest, with an initial target of 25 percent by 2014.

The New York Times - Health

The newspaper said that it had raised millions of dollars from donors and had an initial target of $50m.

The Guardian

The programme has expanded from an initial target of £75 billion to £175 billion.

The Economist

The department created a new Special Enforcement Unit, focusing on Scarano as an initial target.

The New York Times - Magazine

The appeal had raised £825 by Monday lunchtime, with an initial target of £10,000 to scope out the most promising approaches.

The Guardian

The company said that it has hit £20m in structural cost savings for the year, up from an initial target of £15m.

The Guardian

The Rwandan government set an initial target for women in its parliament at 30%, it now stands at 64%, this was achieved thanks to collaboration amongst the women.

The Guardian

There are no flat-chested women on Bionis, an initial target for the Mechon we can only presume.

Independent

The so-called "companion" series will be overseen by the original comic book's writer Robert Kirkman, and has an initial target date of 2015.

Independent

They picked Futuro as a name and set an initial target of $6 million, but soon doubled that and kept going.

The New York Times

Though the new fund had an initial target size of $150 million, the partners allowed the size to climb to $175 million amid strong demand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting a preliminary goal for a project, clearly define "an initial target" to provide a concrete starting point for measuring progress and making necessary adjustments along the way.

Common error

Avoid treating "an initial target" as the ultimate objective. Emphasize that it's a starting point and may evolve as circumstances change or more information becomes available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial target" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a preliminary or starting objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used to denote a starting point or goal within a project or plan. The examples show usage in various contexts, highlighting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial target" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that denotes a preliminary goal or starting point. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly featured in news, science, and formal business settings, this phrase provides a clear and measurable objective for various projects and initiatives. When using this expression, ensure that it's viewed as a flexible starting point that may evolve over time, rather than a fixed, final goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary objective

Replaces 'initial' with 'preliminary', emphasizing the tentative or early nature of the target.

a starting goal

Uses 'starting' instead of 'initial', focusing on the beginning point of an aim.

an early aim

Substitutes 'initial target' with 'early aim', highlighting the temporal aspect of the objective.

a first objective

Replaces 'initial' with 'first', stressing the order or sequence of the target.

a primary objective

Emphasizes the priority of the target by using 'primary' instead of 'initial'.

a provisional aim

Uses 'provisional' to indicate the target is subject to change or adjustment.

a pilot goal

Indicates the target is part of a test run or experiment by using 'pilot'.

a tentative goal

Replaces 'initial' with 'tentative', suggesting the target is not firmly decided.

an introductory goal

Highlights that the goal is the first step or introduction to a broader plan.

a baseline target

Focuses on establishing a reference point or minimum standard with the target.

FAQs

How can I use "an initial target" in a sentence?

You can use "an initial target" when describing the preliminary goal or objective in a project, plan, or initiative. For instance, "The company set "an initial target" of $1 million in sales for the first quarter."

What's a good alternative to "an initial target"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary objective", "a starting goal", or "an early aim", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "initial target" or "final target"?

The choice between "initial target" and "final target" depends on whether you're referring to the beginning or the end goal. "Initial target" refers to the starting point, while "final target" represents the ultimate objective.

What is the difference between "an initial target" and "an ultimate goal"?

"An initial target" is a short-term, preliminary objective, while "an ultimate goal" represents the long-term, overarching aim. The "an initial target" serves as a stepping stone towards achieving the broader "ultimate goal".