can be targeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be targeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential focus or aim of a particular action or strategy. Example: "The marketing campaign can be targeting specific demographics to increase engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Basedon their demonstrations, live migration attacks can be targeting one of these three different classes: (1) control plane (2) data plane and (3) migrationmodule.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That way treatment can be targeted.

The New York Times

"What next can be targeted?

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Satellites can be targeted with missiles or blinded by lasers.

The New York Times

Regions can be targeted successfully, not just countries.

The Guardian

Messages can be targeted with a laser focus to very specific groups offering them relevant content.

The Guardian

Now, even the most famous reporters can be targeted if people don't like their writing.

The Guardian

Now, individuals can be targeted, based on information harvested from your desktop and mobile phone.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

It's really upsetting that a day that is all about acceptance can be targeted in this way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be targeting", ensure the subject has the actual ability and resources to target effectively. Otherwise, consider using alternatives like "may be aimed at" or "could be directed towards".

Common error

Avoid using "can be targeting" when there is no concrete plan or evidence of targeting. Using weaker modals like "might" or "could" provides a more accurate depiction of possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be targeting" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or capability related to an ongoing action. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that a subject is able or has the potential to focus on a specific target.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be targeting" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential or capability of something to focus on a specific target. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears in news and science contexts, suggesting a relatively neutral register. When using this phrase, be mindful of the certainty you wish to convey, and consider alternatives like "may be aimed at" if the targeting is less definite. Remember to avoid overstating certainty when there is no concrete plan in place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be aimed at

Changes the modal verb from "can" to "may" and replaces "targeting" with "aimed at", indicating possibility rather than capability.

could be directed towards

Replaces "can" with "could" and uses "directed towards" instead of "targeting", suggesting a potential direction or focus.

might be focused on

Substitutes "can" with "might" and uses "focused on" instead of "targeting", indicating a possibility of being focused.

is potentially targeting

Replaces "can be" with "is potentially", emphasizing the uncertainty of the targeting.

has the potential to target

Changes the structure to emphasize the potential ability to target.

is capable of targeting

Replaces "can be" with "is capable of", focusing on the inherent ability to target.

intends to target

Shifts the focus to intention rather than capability.

seeks to target

Uses "seeks to" instead of "can be targeting", suggesting an active pursuit of targeting.

aims to target

Replaces the modal verb construction with a direct statement of aim.

is designed to target

Focuses on the design or purpose behind the targeting action.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be targeting" to indicate a potential focus or aim. For example, "The marketing campaign "can be targeting" specific demographics to increase engagement."

What phrases are similar to "can be targeting"?

Similar phrases include "may be aimed at", "could be directed towards", or "might be focused on".

Is "can be targeting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can be targeting" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a modal verb ("can") followed by the auxiliary verb "be" and a present participle ("targeting").

What's the difference between "can be targeting" and "will be targeting"?

"Can be targeting" indicates a possibility or capability, while "will be targeting" implies a future certainty. Use ""can be targeting"" when the targeting is potential, and "will be targeting" when it's a definite plan.