are targeted at

USAGE SUMMARY

"are targeted at" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a product or service that is meant to appeal to a particular audience. For example, "This product is targeted at young adults interested in recreational activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All three are targeted at business travellers.

The Economist

Our legal powers are targeted at terrorists.

The New York Times

These algorithmic "solutions" are targeted at genuine problems.

The Guardian

Emotions will only harm us, unless they are targeted at attaining victory".

The Guardian

LGBT people, especially trans folks, are targeted at disproportionate rates simply for speaking about their experiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We often see policies hitting the headlines that are targeted at the ageing population.

The Guardian

They are targeted at people with middle incomes rather than the really poor.

The Guardian

"The MOPix titles - the Red Shoes and the Phone Call - are targeted at media studies classes.

The Guardian

Improving housing can improve health, particularly when interventions are targeted at those in the poorest health.

The New York Times

Two of the three, you may have noticed, are targeted at elderly voters.

The New Yorker

Activities organised by students unions are targeted at students straight from sixth form.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are targeted at", ensure that the target audience or goal is clearly defined. Clarity improves the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are targeted at" without specifying who or what is being targeted. A vague target weakens your message. For example, instead of saying "These ads are targeted at consumers", specify "These ads are targeted at young adults interested in sustainable products".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are targeted at" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being directed or aimed toward a specific recipient, goal, or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are targeted at" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the intended recipient or objective of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its frequent use across diverse fields like news, science, and business. When writing with this phrase, clarity is crucial: always specify who or what is being targeted to ensure your message is impactful. Consider alternatives like "are aimed at" or "are geared towards" for nuanced meaning. By understanding these aspects, you can effectively use "are targeted at" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are aimed at

Focuses on the act of directing effort or attention, similar to targeting.

are geared towards

Implies a preparation or adaptation to suit a specific purpose or audience.

are intended for

Highlights the planned or designed purpose of something.

are directed at

Emphasizes the act of pointing or channeling something towards a specific recipient.

are designed for

Stresses the purposeful creation of something to meet specific needs.

cater to

Signifies providing what is needed or desired by someone.

are tailored to

Suggests a custom fit or adaptation for a particular individual or group.

are focused on

Emphasizes a concentration of effort or attention on a specific area.

are oriented toward

Indicates a direction or alignment towards a specific goal or group.

are suited for

Highlights appropriateness and fitness for a specific role or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "are targeted at" in a sentence?

The phrase "are targeted at" is used to indicate the intended recipient or purpose of something. For example, "These services are targeted at startup companies" or "The marketing campaigns are targeted at increasing brand awareness".

What's a good alternative to "are targeted at"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are aimed at", "are intended for", or "are geared towards" as alternatives.

Is it better to say "are targeted at" or "are targeting"?

The choice depends on the intended meaning. "Are targeted at" implies a passive direction towards a specific group, whereas "are targeting" suggests an active effort to reach or influence a group. For example, "These ads are targeted at millennials" versus "The company is targeting millennials with its new product".

What's the difference between "are targeted at" and "are focused on"?

"Are targeted at" refers to the intended audience or recipient, while "are focused on" refers to the subject or area of concentration. For example, "The campaign is targeted at young voters" implies the voters are the intended audience, while "The campaign is focused on environmental issues" indicates the campaign's primary subject.