be targeted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be targeted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or strategies aimed at a specific audience or goal. Example: "The marketing campaign will be targeted towards young adults who are interested in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't want to be targeted.

Independent

Police inefficiency should be targeted.

The Guardian

Everything should simply be targeted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Next summer's Olympic games could be targeted.

The Economist

"What next can be targeted?

The Guardian

"Unfriendly" information must be targeted.

The Guardian

Who might be targeted next?

The New Yorker

Individual routes could also be targeted.

Independent

That way treatment can be targeted.

The New York Times

She'll be vulnerable, and she'll be targeted.

The New Yorker

We thought Charb could be targeted".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be targeted", clearly specify who or what is doing the targeting to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The campaign will be targeted", write "The campaign will be targeted at young adults."

Common error

Avoid using "be targeted" excessively in the passive voice, as it can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider using active voice to show who is doing the targeting for more direct and impactful communication. For instance, instead of "Customers are being targeted by the new ads", try "The new ads target customers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be targeted" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject receives the action of being targeted. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, it's a common structure used to describe when someone or something is the focus of a particular strategy or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be targeted" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase commonly used to indicate that something or someone is the focus of a deliberate action or strategy. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. To enhance clarity, specify who or what is doing the targeting. While generally neutral, awareness of potential overuse of the passive voice will lead to more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aimed at

Focuses on the direction of the targeting action, using 'aimed' to specify direction.

be directed towards

Emphasizes the directional aspect of targeting, similar to 'aimed at'.

be focused on

Indicates a concentration of attention or effort, with 'focused' describing the state of being targeted.

be subjected to

Highlights the experience of undergoing the targeting action, shifting focus from the actor to the recipient.

be singled out

Conveys a sense of distinct selection for targeting, suggesting a more specific focus.

be zeroed in on

Implies a precise and intentional focus, often used in technical or strategic contexts.

be in the crosshairs

Figuratively describes being the object of scrutiny or attack, often in a negative or threatening context.

be preyed upon

Suggests a predatory form of targeting, emphasizing vulnerability and exploitation.

be under attack

Implies a direct and forceful targeting, often in a hostile or combative situation.

be victimized by

Highlights the negative impact of targeting, emphasizing the harm or suffering experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "be targeted" in a sentence?

You can use "be targeted" to describe something or someone that is the focus of an action. For example, "The marketing campaign will "be aimed at" young adults" or "Individual body parts can also "be zeroed in on".

What's a good alternative to "be targeted"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""be aimed at"", "be directed towards", or "be subjected to", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "be targeted"?

When something is described as "be targeted", it means that it is the object or recipient of a specific action or strategy. This action is designed to achieve a particular goal or outcome, focusing on the thing that is "be focused on".

How does the meaning change if I use "target" as an active verb instead of "be targeted"?

Using "target" as an active verb shifts the focus from the recipient to the actor. For example, "The company will target young adults" emphasizes what the company is doing, while "Young adults will "be targeted" by the company" emphasizes what will happen to the young adults.