goals

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'goals' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the desired outcome of an activity or endeavour. For example, "Setting goals is an important part of personal growth and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had everything else: more than 30 shots, one red card, three penalties, none of which were, three very particular celebrations, points proven, and 10 goals.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even as he was encouraging young people to reach for greater heights for themselves, he was working to attain his own educational goals," the school said.

The Guardian

"I had wanted to protect Mora from conceding more goals but then I realised that I risked ruining two goalkeepers' confidence on the same day so I left Mora in".

The Guardian - Sport

But normal service was resumed as goals from George Tucudean in the 28th minute and Johnnie Jackson in the 51st minute got the Addicks back to winning ways despite Dean Moxey pulling one back for the visitors, who remain in the bottom three.

The Guardian - Sport

But seven unanswered goals from the Swans closed the margin to just three points midway through the final term, ensuring for a frantic finish.

The Guardian - Sport

He warned a decision to withdraw the ambassador could harm Australia's longer term goals.

The Guardian

One of the explicit goals of European enlargement to the east was to consolidate liberal democracies (or, in the case of Romania, complete the transition to liberal democracy in the first place).

The Guardian - Opinion

Within 48 hours of the trouble, this so-called commander had attained a number of goals.

The Guardian

In fact, six of the previous seven goals Sweden had conceded had all come from headers.

The Guardian - Sport

He has 26 goals to his name and some 18 Premier League points gained, making him the most effective forward in the country at present.

The Guardian - Sport

Goals win matches, and Immobile knows how to get them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting "goals", ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to enhance clarity and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid setting overly broad or undefined "goals". Instead, break down larger aspirations into smaller, actionable steps to increase the likelihood of success.

Linguistic Context

The noun "goals" primarily functions as a plural noun representing desired outcomes or targets. Ludwig shows its versatility in contexts ranging from sports scores to educational aspirations and strategic objectives. For example, a sentence like "He has 26 "goals" to his name" highlights its usage in sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sport

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Opinion

6%

Tech

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "goals" is a very common and versatile plural noun denoting desired outcomes across numerous contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The term appears most frequently in news and media, sports, and formal business settings. When using "goals", clarity and specificity are key; consider alternatives like "objectives" or "targets" for nuanced expression. Ensure your "goals" are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) to enhance their effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objectives

Replaces "goals" with a direct synonym, maintaining the focus on desired outcomes.

aims

Similar to "goals" and "objectives", focusing on the direction of effort.

targets

Emphasizes specific, measurable achievements.

desired outcomes

Expands "goals" into a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the result.

purposes

Focuses on the reasons behind actions, overlapping with the idea of desired results.

strategic objectives

Adds a layer of planning and strategy to the concept of goals.

ambitions

Highlights aspirations and long-term desires.

long-term aims

Specifies the time frame associated with the "goals".

intentions

Focuses on the planned course of action rather than the outcome itself.

key milestones

Shifts the focus to specific points in time that indicate progress towards a larger objective.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "goals" in a sentence?

Use "goals" to refer to desired outcomes or achievements. For example, "Our primary "objective" is to increase sales by 20% this quarter" or "Setting realistic "targets" is crucial for success".

What are some alternatives to the word "goals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "objectives", "aims", "targets", or "purposes" to convey similar meanings.

Is it better to have short-term or long-term "goals"?

The best approach is to have a balance of both. Short-term "goals" provide immediate motivation and a sense of accomplishment, while long-term "goals" provide overall direction and purpose. Ensure your short-term "objectives" align with your long-term "ambitions".

How do I ensure my "goals" are achievable?

Break down your "goals" into smaller, manageable tasks, set realistic timelines, and regularly monitor your progress. Adapt your approach as needed and celebrate small wins along the way. This will increase motivation and keep you on track to reaching your "desired outcomes".