are targeted on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are targeted on" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "are targeted at" or "are aimed at." Example: "The marketing efforts are targeted at young adults who are interested in technology."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

One of the main reasons must be that we are a nation of sporting folk; freshwater species are targeted on both quality and quantity criteria.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Elizabeth Truss, environment secretary, said: "Our clean air zones are targeted on the largest vehicles, whilst not affecting car owners and minimising the impact on business.

The Guardian

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, complains that the cuts are "targeted" on poorer areas and will hit social-care programmes for the vulnerable.

The Economist

"A million Israelis, including many little children, are targeted on a daily basis… I think the whole world understands that this is not acceptable.

The Economist

There are many examples of MMC in light steel framing and modular construction, which are targeted on the residential and mixed-use building sectors.

Thin-Walled Structures

The root problem here is that the credits are targeted on poor working families with more mouths to feed, whereas the tax allowance and minimum wage spread money much more thinly across a far wider group.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Students have also reported being targeted on LinkedIn.

The Guardian

His house in North Waziristan was targeted on Sept.

The New York Times

Police said Tyshawn had been targeted on 2 November because of his father's gang connections.

The Guardian

Tweddle was targeted on Tuesday during a question-and-answer session hosted by Sky Sports.

The Guardian - Tech

A statement said help would be targeted on those actively seeking work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the focus of efforts, consider alternatives like "are directed at" or "are focused on" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "on" after "targeted". The correct preposition is "at". Using "on" can make your writing sound ungrammatical and less professional. Instead, say "The campaign is targeted at young voters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are targeted on" functions as a passive construction where an action is being directed towards a specific subject. However, it's grammatically incorrect as confirmed by Ludwig. The correct usage involves the preposition "at" rather than "on".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are targeted on" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "are targeted at". While the phrase appears in a variety of sources, including news and scientific articles, its usage is considered non-standard. As Ludwig AI points out, "are targeted at", "are aimed at", and "are focused on" are all better alternatives depending on the specific context. It's crucial to use the correct preposition to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing. Remember that while the intention is clear, proper grammar enhances communication and professionalism. The prevalence of this incorrect phrase highlights the importance of careful editing and attention to grammatical details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are aimed at

Replaces 'targeted on' with a more grammatically sound preposition, focusing on the intended recipient or goal.

are directed at

Similar to 'aimed at', this phrase emphasizes the direction of an action or effort toward a specific target.

are focused on

Shifts the focus to the area or subject of concentration, rather than a direct target.

are geared towards

Indicates that something is designed or organized to be suitable for a particular purpose or group.

are intended for

Emphasizes the purpose or objective for which something is created or planned.

are designed for

Highlights the deliberate planning and construction with a specific target in mind.

are tailored to

Implies a customization or adaptation to fit the needs or preferences of a specific target.

are concentrated on

Focuses on the concentration of effort or resources on a particular area or objective.

are centered on

Similar to 'focused on', but suggests that something is the primary point of attention or activity.

are oriented towards

Indicates a general direction or alignment towards a particular goal or target.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use the phrase "are targeted on"?

The grammatically correct way is to say "are targeted at" or "are aimed at". For example, instead of "These ads are targeted on teenagers", say "These ads "are targeted at" teenagers".

What can I say instead of "are targeted on"?

You can use alternatives like "are aimed at", "are directed at", or "are focused on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are targeted on" or "are targeted at"?

"Are targeted at" is the correct and grammatically accepted form. "Are targeted on" is considered incorrect in standard English.

How do I choose between "are targeted at" and "are focused on"?

"Are targeted at" implies a direct aim towards a specific group or object. "Are focused on" suggests a broader concentration of effort or attention. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.