are we targeted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we targeted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning whether a specific group or individual is the focus of attention or scrutiny, often in contexts related to marketing, security, or social issues. Example: "In today's meeting, we need to discuss whether we are targeted by competitors in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Why are we targeted?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Who are we targeting?

Unicef

Why are we such easy targets?

The New York Times

That's why we were targeted.

Huffington Post

"We are targeting terrorists, we are targeting armed forces of the Palestinian Authority".

The New York Times

The important thing is we are not targeting that group".

Independent

She added: "We're not being targeted because we're activists, we're being targeted because we're female".

BBC

"Now we are targeted for our faith.

The New York Times

Targets we are; targets we have been.

Huffington Post

So I don't know why we are being targeted.

The New Yorker

"But it's disgusting we can be targeted like that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are we targeted", consider the specific context. Are you referring to a marketing campaign, a security threat, or a social issue? Choose more specific language if the context isn't clear.

Common error

Avoid using "are we targeted" in casual conversation where simpler phrases like "is someone picking on us?" might be more appropriate. This phrase carries a sense of formality or seriousness that may be out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we targeted" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically a question. It seeks confirmation or denial about whether a group or entity is the object of intentional actions, often with negative implications, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we targeted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used interrogative phrase that inquires about whether a group or individual is being singled out, often with negative implications. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news media, formal business contexts, and science. While grammatically correct, ensure the level of formality is appropriate for your context. When the context isn't clear consider using stronger verbs, like "are we being hunted" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we being singled out

Focuses on the act of being individually selected, emphasizing potential unfairness.

are we under scrutiny

Highlights the state of being closely observed, often suggesting potential investigation or criticism.

are we the focus

Emphasizes the state of being the central point of attention, possibly for positive or negative reasons.

are we being watched

Suggests a sense of surveillance, often implying a lack of privacy or potential threat.

are we at risk

Shifts the focus to the potential danger or harm resulting from being targeted.

are we in the crosshairs

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey being in a dangerous or vulnerable position.

are we being threatened

Highlights the presence of an explicit or implied danger.

are we the victims

Frames the situation as one of being harmed or wronged.

are we being hunted

Conveys a sense of relentless pursuit, often implying a predatory motive.

are we the subject of an investigation

Specifies the nature of the targeting as a formal inquiry.

FAQs

What does "are we targeted" mean?

The phrase "are we targeted" refers to a state of being singled out or focused upon, often implying a deliberate effort to affect or harm the group in question. It suggests a sense of vulnerability or potential threat.

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

You can use "are we targeted" to question whether a specific group or individual is the focus of attention or scrutiny. For example, "In today's meeting, we need to discuss whether we are targeted by competitors in the market."

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

You can use alternatives like "are we being singled out", "are we under scrutiny", or "are we the focus" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are we being targeted" instead of "are we targeted"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Are we being targeted" emphasizes the ongoing process of being targeted, while "are we targeted" simply questions whether the group is currently a target. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.