be on target

USAGE SUMMARY

"be on target" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be aiming or achieving something accurately or successfully. Example: Our sales team has been working hard and we are on target to meet our quarterly goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That, too, appeared to be on target.

The Washington Post

But, like Rice later, he wouldn't be on target.

The New York Times - Sports

"But the company continues to be on target with its merger integration long term".

The New York Times

First is that the long-range prediction will be on target.

The New York Times

"We need to win three of our four-game homestand to be on target," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Drucker's view of knowledge workers as volunteers seems to be on target with today's economic, business and workforce trends.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

These new standards are intended to raise the bar from having every student earn a high school diploma to the much more ambitious goal of having every student be on-target for success in post-secondary education and training.

The Washington Post

Plus, along with providing inspiration, this can also give you an idea of what other people are looking for, which can help you be on-target with your posts.

Forbes

Our data on the effect of 17-AAG on GRK1 suggest that some of the visual problems observed in patients could be on-target effects on phototransduction components.

Human Molecular Genetics

Side effects may be on-target (i.e. by affecting the receptor itself), off-target (i.e. via related proteins such as other kinases), or nonspecific.

Breast Cancer Research

Developing this reflex means your throw will more likely be on-target and easy to catch.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about projections or forecasts, using "be on target" communicates that the actual results align with initial estimates or predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "be on target" when referring to general feelings of being 'correct' or 'right'. It specifically relates to achieving a predetermined goal or standard, not just being accurate in a general sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on target" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a subject in relation to a predetermined objective or goal, indicating that progress or performance aligns with expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on target" is a common and grammatically correct English expression used to indicate that something is progressing as planned or expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts including news, science, and business, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance writing, "be on target" can be interchanged with alternatives like "be on track" or "be on schedule" for variety, but it's crucial to maintain its specific focus on achieving predetermined goals rather than general accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on track

Indicates progress aligned with a planned schedule or objective.

be on course

Similar to "be on track", suggesting a correct direction or path.

be on schedule

Focuses specifically on adhering to a planned timeline.

be hitting the mark

Implies successful achievement of a specific goal or objective.

be in line with expectations

Emphasizes meeting anticipated outcomes or standards.

be proceeding as planned

Highlights the continuation of activities according to the established timeline.

be consistent with projections

Highlights alignment with forecasted data or estimates.

be in accordance with plans

Emphasizes adherence to pre-established strategies or arrangements.

be aimed correctly

Focuses on the accuracy of the initial aim or direction.

be in sync

Suggests harmony or alignment with a particular goal or project.

FAQs

How can I use "be on target" in a sentence?

The phrase "be on target" is used to indicate that something is progressing as planned or expected. For example, "The project is "be on target" to be completed by the end of the quarter."

What can I say instead of "be on target"?

You can use alternatives such as "be on track", "be on schedule", or "be in line with expectations" depending on the context.

Is "be on target" formal or informal?

"Be on target" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is widely understood and accepted in various settings, including business, academic, and casual conversations.

What does it mean when someone says something is "on target"?

When something is described as "on target", it means that it is achieving what was planned or expected, whether it's a goal, a timeline, or a specific metric.