has been targeted

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been targeted" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that someone or something has been singled out for specific actions or treatment. Example: The company's marketing campaign has been targeted towards younger consumers in an effort to expand their customer base.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now Mr Aziz has been targeted.

The Economist

"Today, Hafiz Saeed has been targeted.

The New York Times

The Portuguese market has been targeted.

The Guardian - Sport

The base has been targeted periodically.

The New York Times

Henry Moore's work has been targeted before.

The Guardian

He said: "The political leadership has been targeted.

The Guardian

It is not the first time Shiner has been targeted.

The Guardian

It is not just Arese Lucini who has been targeted.

The Guardian - Tech

Some sources in Uruguay believe he has been targeted unfairly.

The Guardian - Sport

Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has been targeted with sanctions.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're just one of many #Jewish groups that has been targeted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been targeted", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the targeting. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been targeted" excessively in your writing, as it can make the text sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing sentences to use the active voice for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been targeted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has received a specific action, often negative, from an unspecified actor. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been targeted" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its wide use. As evidenced by the numerous examples, its purpose is to highlight that the subject has received an action, especially when that action is perceived as negative. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news reporting, academic writing, and general communication. The phrase is grammatically correct but remember to avoid overuse of passive voice and clearly identify the actor or action performed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was singled out

Changes the verb to emphasize being chosen specifically.

came under attack

Focuses on the aggressive nature of the targeting.

was subjected to

Highlights the experience of enduring something negative.

was victimized by

Emphasizes the harm caused by the targeting.

became the focus of

Shifts the focus to attention being directed towards the subject.

was aimed at

Focuses on the direction of the action.

was marked for

Suggests a prior decision to target.

was chosen as a target

Specifies the act of choosing someone or something as a target.

was predisposed to

Highlights existing susceptibility or vulnerability.

was exposed to

Emphasizes vulnerability to external pressure or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "has been targeted" in a sentence?

You can use "has been targeted" to indicate that someone or something is the recipient of specific actions, often negative. For example, "The political leadership "has been targeted"." /s/has+been+targeted

What are some alternatives to saying "has been targeted"?

Alternatives include "was singled out", "came under attack", or "was subjected to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing something that has been targeted?

While "has been targeted" uses passive voice, active voice can sometimes be more direct. For instance, instead of "The base has been targeted periodically", you could say "Attackers targeted the base periodically" if you know who the attackers are.

What's the difference between "has been targeted" and "is being targeted"?

"Has been targeted" implies the targeting occurred at some point in the past and may or may not be ongoing. "Is being targeted" suggests the targeting is currently happening.