has been targeted for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been targeted for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has been chosen as a focus for criticism, attack, or attention. Example: "The organization has been targeted for its controversial policies regarding environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Structural health monitoring and damage prognosis research has been targeted for ensuring structural integrity and safety.

Stanford University

Should Barny tip off a friend who has been targeted for summary justice by the Resistance?

The New Yorker

"The group has been targeted for kidnappings, house raids, and at least one alleged targeted killing.

The Guardian

CSM, a food-ingredients group, has been targeted for its treatment of shareholder voting rights.

The Economist

Therefore lumazine synthase has been targeted for the design of newer antifungal agents.

Arabian Journal of Chemistry

At Boeing, this process has been targeted for elimination due to environmental and workplace safety considerations.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Hydrogen, the clean fuel of 21st century has been targeted for several decades.

Polymer

For example, the environmental nonprofit organization Greenpeace has been targeted for surveillance by the NSA in the past.

The Washington Post

It has been targeted for drug discovery on account of growing resistance to miltefosine in L. major.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

It also emerged today that the family home of the girl taken away from a Roma family in Tallaght has been targeted for attacks in the recent past.

The Guardian

The type of work children can be involved in differs greatly, and not all work done by children has been targeted for elimination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been targeted for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the targeting and the reason behind it. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "has been targeted for" is grammatically correct, actively stating who is targeting something and why can make your writing more direct and engaging. Instead of "The company has been targeted for criticism", consider "Critics have targeted the company because of..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been targeted for" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action. Ludwig confirms this usage, with examples showing the phrase used to denote that something or someone is the focus of scrutiny, attack, or selection for a particular purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been targeted for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that someone or something has become the focus of attention, scrutiny, or action. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While often implying a negative focus, the phrase can also denote selection for a specific purpose. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is doing the targeting and why. Consider using the active voice for more direct and engaging writing. Related phrases such as ""has been singled out for"" or ""has come under scrutiny for"" can provide alternative nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been singled out for

Suggests a deliberate act of choosing someone or something from a group, often for special attention or treatment.

has been earmarked for

Implies that something has been specifically designated or reserved for a particular purpose.

has been designated for

Indicates an official assignment or naming for a specific role or purpose.

has been selected for

Focuses on the act of choosing something or someone from a larger set, highlighting the selection process.

has been chosen for

Similar to "has been selected for", but can imply a broader range of selection criteria.

has come under scrutiny for

Indicates that something is being closely examined or investigated, often due to concerns or doubts.

has been subjected to

Highlights the experience of undergoing a particular process or treatment, often something unpleasant or challenging.

has been exposed to

Implies that something has been revealed or made vulnerable to something else.

is in the crosshairs

This idiomatic expression suggests a high level of threat or focus of attack.

has been set aside for

Indicates that something has been reserved or allocated for a specific use or purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been targeted for" to indicate that someone or something is the focus of an action, often negative. For example: "The politician "has been targeted for" his controversial statements."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "has been singled out for", "has come under scrutiny for", or "has been earmarked for".

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "has been targeted for"?

While "has been targeted for" uses the passive voice, consider using the active voice for clarity. For example, instead of "The program "has been targeted for" budget cuts", you could say "The government targeted the program for budget cuts".

What does "has been targeted for" imply?

The phrase "has been targeted for" typically implies that the subject is the focus of negative attention, such as criticism, attacks, or unwanted scrutiny. It can also mean it has been selected for a particular purpose, not necessarily negative.