by a target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are specifying an action or result that is directed towards a specific goal or objective. Example: "The project was completed by a target date to ensure timely delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blaze, sparked by a target shooter, was about 90percentt contained by afternoon.

The New York Times

Maybe they need the tangibility offered by a target; it is easier to plan a run chase.

The Guardian - Sport

If access by a target computer was detected, the agency could send malware to infect the machine.

The Guardian - Tech

Last night made it clear England are best served by his being partnered by a target man.

Independent

HIGHER BREAK FEES A break fee is paid by a target company to terminate a deal in order to accept a higher bid from a third party.

The New York Times

The crowd of 7,312 -- not a sellout but not off projections -- was enthusiastic and anchored by a target audience of girls in bright soccer jerseys.

The New York Times - Sports

The legislation now under discussion could take the form of triggered sanctions, which would come into effect if there was no deal by a target date.

The Guardian - Opinion

Business groups are privately alarmed at the extreme uncertainty created by a target without clear policy from the Abbott government to attain it.

The Guardian

Participants read short stories followed by a target sentence.

Cortex

Coating prepared by a target with 50 vol.% graphite reaches the maximum hardness(2443 HV2443.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Fig. 7 Measured transmission spectrum of coated and uncoated NHAs by a target molecule 16-MHA.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a target" when you want to specify that an action, process, or result is governed or determined by a particular goal or objective. It is especially useful when outlining constraints or desired outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "by a target" when you intend to describe the agent performing the action. This phrase specifies a condition or limitation, not the actor. To express agency, use "done by", "performed by", or "caused by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a target" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase specifying a condition, constraint, or goal that influences an action, process, or state. As shown by Ludwig, it clarifies the parameters within which something operates or is achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by a target" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to specify a condition, limitation, or objective that influences an action, process, or state. Common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, it's best practice to use this phrase when outlining constraints or desired outcomes, while avoiding its misuse as an agent performing the action. Alternatives such as "towards a target" or "aimed at a target" can be considered for nuanced expression. Overall, "by a target" remains a versatile and valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

towards a target

This alternative emphasizes direction or movement in relation to the target.

aimed at a target

This suggests a deliberate intention or focus on the target.

directed at a target

Similar to 'aimed at', this highlights the direction of an action or effort.

in relation to a target

This phrase indicates a connection or association with the target.

with respect to a target

Similar to 'in relation to', this suggests considering something in light of the target.

regarding a target

This indicates that the target is the subject of discussion or consideration.

concerning a target

This is very similar to 'regarding', indicating the target is the topic.

for a target

This suggests purpose or suitability related to the target.

in pursuit of a target

This emphasizes the active process of trying to reach or achieve the target.

with the intention of a target

This highlights the purpose and deliberate planning focused around the target

FAQs

How can I use "by a target" in a sentence?

The phrase "by a target" indicates a condition or constraint. For example, "The project must be completed "by a target date"" means the date is a deadline. Or consider "influenced "by a target property"" which means a characteristic affects something.

What's a good alternative to "by a target"?

Alternatives to "by a target" include "towards a target", "aimed at a target", or "directed at a target". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "influenced by a target"?

Yes, it is correct. "Influenced by a target" is used to indicate that something is being affected or guided by a specific objective or condition. For example, you might say "The clustering to be influenced "by a target property"."

What is the difference between "by a target" and "for a target"?

"By a target" indicates a constraint or condition, while "for a target" indicates purpose or suitability. For example, "The work was completed by a target date" means the date was a deadline. "Designed for a target audience" means that the audience is intended to use the project.