it was targeted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was targeted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was specifically aimed at or directed towards a particular person, group, or objective. Example: "The marketing campaign was successful because it was targeted at young adults who are interested in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was targeted because of its industry, proximity to the busy London docklands and main railway supply lines.

Independent

Soca took down its website late on Monday after it was targeted with a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack by the notorious internet group.

The Guardian - Tech

In essence, it was targeted at the Soviet Union for its restrictions on the emigration of Jews.

The New York Times

Opened in 1994, it was targeted at the more lucrative middle- and upper-middle-class market.

The New York Times

The embassy had no reason to believe it "was targeted in any way," Mr. Figaj said.

The New York Times

It was targeted public funding of athletes and infrastructure," Barber added.

The Guardian

The entrance to Tripoli's Corinthia Hotel, a day after it was targeted by a car bomb.

The New Yorker

"It's not that it was targeted at the rich," he said.

The New York Times

"It was targeted at the right people, those with the ability to pay.

The New York Times

While the legislation did not mention Aum by name, lawmakers said it was targeted at the group.

The New York Times

"We have no information on who it was targeted against and no information on casualties," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was targeted", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who or what did the targeting and the reasons behind it.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "it was targeted" if it obscures the actor. Active voice often makes your writing more direct and impactful. For instance, consider replacing "it was targeted by hackers" with "hackers targeted it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was targeted" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received a specific action. This often implies intention or direction from an external agent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was targeted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that communicates intentional direction or focus toward a subject. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in English writing. Its presence is prominent across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register adaptable to various contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject and actor to avoid ambiguity. By considering alternatives such as ""it was aimed at"" or "it was focused on", you can refine your writing to precisely convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was aimed at

Focuses on the intended recipient or goal.

it was directed towards

Emphasizes the direction or focus of the action.

it was geared towards

Suggests preparation or adaptation for a specific purpose.

it was focused on

Highlights the concentration of effort or attention.

it was designed for

Implies a deliberate creation with a particular purpose in mind.

it was intended for

Stresses the planned or expected use.

it was subjected to

Highlights the experience of undergoing a particular action, often negative.

it was exposed to

Emphasizes the lack of protection or vulnerability to an action.

it was subjected to

Highlights the experience of undergoing a particular action, often negative.

it fell victim to

Implies being negatively affected or harmed by an action.

FAQs

How can I use "it was targeted" in a sentence?

You can use "it was targeted" to indicate that something was intentionally directed at a specific person, group, or object. For example, "The marketing campaign "it was aimed at" young adults interested in technology".

What are some alternatives to "it was targeted"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""it was aimed at"", "it was directed towards", or "it was focused on".

Which is correct, "it was targeted" or "it is targeted"?

"It was targeted" indicates a past action, while "it is targeted" indicates a present or ongoing action. The choice depends on the time frame you're referring to.

What's the difference between "it was targeted" and "it was affected"?

"It was targeted" implies intentionality; someone or something deliberately aimed at it. "It was affected" simply means it experienced an impact, without necessarily implying a deliberate action.