goal

USAGE SUMMARY

"goal" is definitely a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to an intended result, aim, or purpose. For example, "I have set a goal to save enough money for a new car by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our goal was to make it to the final and go for the title.

The Guardian - Sport

Because Republicans are trying, for the third time since he took office, to use economic blackmail to achieve a goal they lack the votes to achieve through the normal legislative process.

The New York Times

"We, Germany and Britain, share the goal of seeing a strong competitive EU join forces," she said in her final words in German.

The Guardian

We are currently in the process of interviewing potential board members, and our goal is to add an additional independent member this year in order to regain our 4-star rating by 2013.

The Guardian

This – and nothing less than this – should be our common goal.

The Guardian

His goal?

The New York Times

Within five minutes Laszlo Kiss was allowed to trap a ball from a corner and turn eight yards from the Salvadoran goal before firing past Mora to make it 6-1.

The Guardian - Sport

Al-Qaida's goal of creating an Islamic caliphate spanning the Muslim world is limited to a pocket of lawless boltholes controlled by separate factions.

The Guardian

Dockers midfielder Nat Fyfe was influential with 27 possessions, eight clearances, and a goal, with his high-flying mark in the final quarter another highlight.

The Guardian - Sport

He was rewarded with a firm handshake from the official, who had previously awarded the goal but now disallowed it.

The Guardian - Sport

Moore, in his home debut, scored his first goal for Toronto with a tap-in in stoppage time after a defensive miscommunication.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting a "goal", make sure it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This helps in tracking progress and achieving the desired outcome effectively.

Common error

Avoid setting vague or undefined "goals". Clearly define what you want to achieve to increase the likelihood of success. For example, instead of saying "I want to be successful", specify "I want to increase my sales by 20% in the next quarter".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "goal" is a noun, representing a desired result or objective that someone is trying to achieve. Ludwig's AI confirms its standard usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "goal" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe a desired outcome or objective. Ludwig's AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, sports, and formal business settings. To use "goal" effectively, ensure it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Common alternatives include "objective", "aim", and "purpose". Be mindful of setting vague goals; instead, clearly define what you want to achieve for better results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objective

Focuses on the specific target or aim to be achieved.

aim

Emphasizes the direction or purpose of an effort.

purpose

Highlights the reason or intention behind an action.

target

Implies a specific, measurable result to be attained.

ambition

Suggests a strong desire or aspiration for achievement.

aspiration

Refers to a hope or dream of achieving something significant.

intention

Highlights the planned or intended course of action.

end

Focuses on the final outcome or result to be achieved.

destination

Implies a final point or objective to be reached.

desired outcome

Specifically refers to the result that one wishes to achieve.

FAQs

How to use "goal" in a sentence?

You can use "goal" to describe a desired outcome or objective. For instance, "My main goal is to finish this project by Friday" or "Their goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 50%."

What can I say instead of "goal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "objective", "aim", "purpose", or "target".

What is the difference between "goal" and "objective"?

"Goal" is often a broader, more general aim, while "objective" is a specific, measurable step towards achieving that goal. For example, a goal might be to improve customer satisfaction, while an objective is to reduce customer complaint response time to under 24 hours.

How to ensure my "goal" is achievable?

Make sure your "goal" is realistic and attainable within the given resources and timeframe. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and regularly assess your progress.