he is targeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is targeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's focus or intention towards a specific audience, group, or objective. Example: "In his marketing campaign, he is targeting young adults who are interested in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is targeting his onetime best friend.

The New York Times - Books

He is targeting the trophy in what is likely to be his final major international tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

He is targeting a win here – and then a double gold in Rio.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, aged 22, he is targeting a job as a Premier League manager – having already worked with Bosnia's national team.

The Guardian - Sport

The issues he is targeting – racism and what he said about Watto – those things are pretty poor.

The Guardian

The British team finished fifth in Beijing but Clarke has said he is targeting gold in London.

The Guardian - Sport

Farage openly admits he is targeting BNP voters and this year we will see whether these voters are receptive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Haftar is killing people, and he says he is targeting terrorists, but his definition is way too broad.

The New Yorker

He is targeting Turnbull in not very subtle fashion as the representative of the aforementioned "top end".

The Guardian

He is targeting a £700m sale price for Channel 5, 10 times its estimated profit of £70m this year.

The Guardian

He is targeting economic growth of 8 per cent and has already stripped bureaucracy out of the farming market.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is targeting", ensure the object of the targeting is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether "he is targeting a specific market segment" or "he is targeting a particular sales goal".

Common error

Avoid using "he is targeting" when the action is more about general influence than direct focus. Use phrases like "he is influencing" or "he is affecting" if the goal is broader than a specific target.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is targeting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subject's intentional focus or aim toward a specific object or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used. For example, "He is targeting a new market segment."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is targeting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English to describe a subject's intentional focus toward a goal. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the target is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "he is aiming for" or "he is focusing on" for nuanced meanings. The phrase maintains a neutral register, lending itself to broad application across various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is aiming for

Emphasizes the act of directing effort towards achieving a specific goal.

he is focusing on

Highlights the concentration of attention or resources on a particular subject or objective.

he is intending to

Focuses on the planned or purposed action.

he is planning to

Similar to intending but suggests a more detailed preparation.

he is seeking to

Emphasizes the attempt to find or obtain something.

he is pursuing

Highlights active effort and persistence in reaching a goal.

he is working towards

Stresses the ongoing effort and progress toward a longer-term goal.

he has set his sights on

Indicates a determined focus on achieving a specific objective.

he is gearing up for

Implies preparation and readiness for a specific event or challenge.

he is looking to

Suggests an aspiration or desire to achieve something.

FAQs

What does "he is targeting" mean?

The phrase "he is targeting" means that someone is focusing their efforts or resources on a specific goal, person, or group. It implies a deliberate intention to achieve a particular outcome.

What can I say instead of "he is targeting"?

You can use alternatives like "he is aiming for", "he is focusing on", or "he is intending to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he is targeting to achieve"?

While understandable, it's more concise and grammatically standard to say "he is targeting [goal]" or "he is targeting [objective]". The "to achieve" part is often redundant.

What's the difference between "he is targeting" and "he is aiming at"?

"He is targeting" implies a more direct and intentional focus, while "he is aiming at" can suggest a more general direction or aspiration. Targeting often involves a specific plan or strategy.