be targeted for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be targeted for' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you want to describe a person, group, or thing that is the focus of some action or special attention. For example: "The store has been targeted for renovation in order to modernize its interior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

such area can be targeted for law enforcement action.

Cornell University

Thus, PqsE can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Princeton University

While military spending will be spared, education and healthcare will be targeted for cuts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I say to myself, 'Why should this industry be targeted for any cuts?

The New York Times

However, how do-DCs can be targeted for improving allograft survival is still unclear.

Nature

This molecular circuit in the hair follicle can be targeted for therapeutic purposes.

Stanford University

Which villagers should be targeted for intervention to best propagate knowledge of migration through social networks?

Yale University

A two-step procedure is proposed to evaluate the equipment that should be targeted for the application of compensating solutions.

Electric Power Systems Research

Nationals can be targeted for working with foreigners or for being perceived to be wealthly or having political connections.

The Guardian

Hospitals with the worst "risk" scores will be targeted for visits under the CQC's robust new inspection system.

The Guardian

Later, I was advised by the police in London that I might be targeted for assassination by Mugabe's agents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be targeted for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the targeting and the reason behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "be targeted for" without specifying who is doing the targeting. For instance, instead of saying "This group might be targeted for something", specify, like "This group might be targeted by cybercriminals for phishing attacks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be targeted for" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action. As shown by Ludwig, this action can range from law enforcement intervention to therapeutic intervention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be targeted for" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction that indicates a subject is the recipient of a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. Its prevalence across academic, scientific, news, and business domains underscores its adaptability. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is doing the targeting and the reason behind it. Related phrases, such as "be selected for" and "be aimed at", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's function in identifying focus and vulnerability, making it essential for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be selected for

Emphasizes a choice or selection process, rather than a general focus.

be chosen for

Similar to 'be selected for', but can imply a more deliberate decision.

be designated for

Suggests a formal assignment or allocation for a specific purpose.

be earmarked for

Implies that something has been specifically set aside for a particular use or recipient.

be intended for

Focuses on the intended recipient or purpose, rather than the action of targeting.

be aimed at

Highlights the direction or goal of an action or plan.

be subjected to

Indicates that someone or something is going to experience an action, often negative.

be exposed to

Suggests vulnerability to an action or influence.

be vulnerable to

Focuses on the susceptibility to a specific threat or action.

be predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing tendency to be affected by something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be targeted for" to indicate that someone or something is the focus of a particular action. For example, "Small businesses can "be targeted for" cyber attacks" or "Specific genes can "be targeted for" gene therapy".

What are some alternatives to "be targeted for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "be targeted for" include phrases like "be selected for", "be earmarked for", or "be aimed at".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be targeted for"?

While "be targeted for" is in the passive voice, it's often preferred when the actor is unknown or less important than the target. However, using the active voice (e.g., "Cybercriminals target small businesses") can sometimes make the sentence more direct and impactful.

What's the difference between "be targeted for" and "be aiming for"?

"Be targeted for" indicates being the recipient of an action, often negative, while "be aiming for" indicates striving towards a goal or objective.