far-off target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far-off target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or objective that is distant or not immediately achievable. Example: "While we have made progress, the far-off target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 still requires significant effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's a far-off target.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A Young Soldier's First Big Fight War may be an abstraction for some, with air and artillery strikes plotted by computers against far-off targets.

The New York Times

The muted adventure begins with our protagonist dreaming of work, as many of us do, except that his job is to operate an unmanned drone, striking far-off targets from a safe, remote location.

Vice

In completing 13 of 33 passes for 165 yards, a number of Lucas's attempts were far off target.

The New York Times - Sports

He placed his shot so far off target that it didn't even go out for a goal-kick.

The Guardian - Sport

It sailed far off target to the left, and nearly 80 meters away it landed in the back of an unsuspecting long jumper, Salim Sdiri of France.

The New York Times - Sports

"But the attacks that have come have been so misguided, have been so far off target, have been so dishonest, that they surprised me.

The New York Times

In 1999, Chuck Knoblauch, the Yankees' second baseman, began flubbing routine plays to first base, and in one game threw a ball so far off target that it hit the mother of the ESPN sportscaster Keith Olbermann, in the stands.

The New Yorker

Prices rose at their fastest pace for more than a year in January as shops reversed the government's emergency VAT cut, official figures revealed today, forcing Bank of England governor Mervyn King to write to the chancellor to explain why inflation has been driven so far off target.

The Guardian - Business

The visitors refused to give up and when McGinn met Garry Fleming's cross his downward header was not far off target.

BBC

Stefan Johansen went close with a powerful drive from 30 yards, while a Stokes free-kick was not far off target before the breakthrough goal arrived.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far-off target", ensure the context clearly establishes the significant time or effort required to achieve the goal. For example, "achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 remains a far-off target".

Common error

Avoid using "far-off target" when referring to short-term or easily achievable goals. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far-off target" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun. It qualifies the nature of the "target", indicating that it is not immediately reachable but lies in the distant future or requires significant effort. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far-off target" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe goals or objectives that are distant or require significant effort to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While phrases such as "distant goal" or "long-term objective" can be used as alternatives, "far-off target" specifically underscores the notion of a specific objective that is not immediately attainable. Use this phrase to set expectations, highlight challenges, or convey the need for sustained commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Distant goal

Focuses on the distance aspect of the goal, omitting the specific 'target' connotation.

Long-term objective

Highlights the temporal aspect of the objective, suggesting a significant timeframe.

Ambitious aim

Emphasizes the challenging and aspirational nature of the goal.

Future aspiration

Stresses that the goal is something desired in the future, potentially far away.

Remote prospect

Suggests that the possibility of achieving the goal is not immediately likely.

Visionary target

Adds a layer of innovation or forward-thinking to the goal.

Lofty ambition

Conveys a sense of grandeur and high-reaching aspirations.

Long shot

Indicates a goal with a low probability of success.

Pie in the sky

Implies the goal is unrealistic or unattainable.

Blue sky thinking

Indicates that the goal is conceptual or speculative.

FAQs

How can I use "far-off target" in a sentence?

You can use "far-off target" to describe goals that are distant and require significant effort. For example: "Reducing global poverty is a "far-off target" that requires international cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "far-off target"?

Alternatives include "distant goal", "long-term objective", or "ambitious aim", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "far-off target" a formal or informal phrase?

"Far-off target" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for news articles, academic papers, and general conversation.

What does it imply when something is described as a "far-off target"?

It implies that achieving the goal will take considerable time and effort, and is not something that can be accomplished easily or quickly.