indicative target

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "indicative target" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when someone wants to set a target or goal for themselves. For example, "I set an indicative target to finish this project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Europe's emissions trading system will also be reformed as part of the 2030 energy and climate package, with a more flexible mechanism to allow the surplus of carbon permits to be curbed, and member states will have an "indicative" target - that is, not legally binding – of improving energy efficiency by 25% by 2030.

The Guardian

In line with the main priorities of EU energy policy – competitiveness, security of supply and environmental protection – Article 2 of the Renewables Directive requires each Member State to take appropriate measures to achieve a specific indicative target for the consumption of electricity produced from RES.

Columbia University

This paper describes a set of tools, algorithms and methodologies that have been developed and used in order to estimate the radiometric uncertainty achievable for an indicative target sensor through in-flight cross-calibration using a well-calibrated hyperspectral SI-traceable reference sensor with observational characteristics such as TRUTHS.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

The draft legislation sets an indicative target of 0.5% for the share of energy to be produced from advanced biofuels as a percentage of the energy derived from renewable sources in all forms of transport by 2020.

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The European Union, unlike the United States, has ratified the Kyoto treaty on emissions and the environment, and the EU authorities in 2003 issued indicative targets for translation into national law: 2% of motor-fuel consumption should be biofuel by 2005, and 5.75% by 2010.Many of the 25 EU governments have thumbed their noses at Brussels.

The Economist

India, supported by about half of the Group of 77 LDCs, proposed an amendment to the Kyoto Protocol that would require developed countries to reduce their emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2020, with indicative targets for each developed country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MEPs approved a draft law setting out rules for achieving the 95g target (rapporteur Thomas Ulmer, EPP, DE), by 47 votes to 17 with 1 abstention, but also added indicative targets for post-2020 CO2 emissions: a range of 68 to 78g from 2025.

European Parliament

We found that most of the 1486 landscapes in NSW are poorly reserved relative to an indicative conservation target of 15% of the total area of each (the baseline target in recent national planning for forest reserves).

Biological Conservation

However, upon addition of the AR agonist DHT, we observed a clear thermal stabilisation of AR indicative of target engagement (Fig. 1b,d).

Nature

A low-carbon signal to investors is needed, they warned, and so an indicative emissions target should be introduced through secondary legislation to set the level of ambition for reducing greenhouse gases from the power sector.

The Guardian

If subjective confidence could be proven to be indicative of target visibility this result would imply that blindsight - or the ability to rout information from the sensory to the decision making machinery in the absence of consciousness - decreases substantially after a few hundred milliseconds.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicative target", ensure that the context clarifies the tentative or non-binding nature of the target. This avoids misinterpretation and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "indicative target" as a firm commitment. The word "indicative" suggests a preliminary or directional goal, not a legally binding obligation. Failure to clarify this can lead to misunderstandings and broken trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicative target" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "indicative" modifies the noun "target". It specifies the type of target being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Formal & Business

40%

Science

40%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "indicative target" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a preliminary or non-binding objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and sees usage across several professional contexts, particularly formal business, science, and news media. While the phrase isn't very common, alternatives such as "suggested goal" or "preliminary objective" offer similar meanings. When employing "indicative target", it is crucial to stress the tentative nature of the target to avoid misunderstandings. Be precise in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggested goal

Replaces "indicative" with "suggested", focusing on the proposal aspect of the target.

preliminary objective

Substitutes both words with synonyms suggesting an early-stage or tentative aim.

approximate benchmark

Replaces "target" with "benchmark", implying a standard for comparison rather than a strict goal.

estimated aim

Focuses on estimation and general direction rather than a precise endpoint.

projected quota

More suitable in contexts involving sales or production, implying a forecast.

recommended guideline

Softens the idea of a target, presenting it as advice rather than a requirement.

illustrative example

Shifts the focus from a goal to a case that serves to clarify a point.

rough estimate

Emphasizes the lack of precision and the preliminary nature of the figure.

sample objective

Implies the objective is not definitive and is there to be tested/experimented.

proposed plan

Moves away from an explicit target to suggest general planning and intention.

FAQs

How can I use "indicative target" in a sentence?

You can use "indicative target" to describe a goal that is not definitive but serves as a guide. For example, "The company set an "indicative target" for reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2030."

What's the difference between "indicative target" and "firm target"?

An "indicative target" is a preliminary or suggested goal, whereas a "firm target" is a definite and binding commitment. Using "indicative" signals flexibility, while "firm" implies a stricter obligation.

What are some alternatives to "indicative target"?

Alternatives include "suggested goal", "preliminary objective", or "approximate benchmark", depending on the context and the degree of tentativeness you wish to convey.

Is "indicative target" commonly used in business or academic writing?

"Indicative target" is used across various fields, including business, science, and policy, where it's essential to communicate goals that are directional but not necessarily set in stone. Its frequency varies depending on the specific context.