key goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key goal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a goal that is important or critical to achieving a desired outcome. For example, "One of our key goals was to increase customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's a key goal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gonzalo Castro was a key goal scorer.

The New York Times - Sports

A key goal is to roll back Chinese influence.

The Guardian

It was yet another key goal from a Rangers defenseman.

The New York Times - Sports

Moving to the United States was a key goal.

The New York Times

Presumably, the key goal here is to increase accountability.

Columbia University

A key goal is distinguishing complex cases from pure chaos.

Harvard University

The key goal, though, was Manchester United's fifth.

The Guardian - Sport

So finding ways to desalinate seawater is a key goal.

MIT Technology Review

This is a key goal of anti-corruption groups.

The Guardian

Symptom relief is a key goal of palliative care.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key goal", ensure that the goal is indeed pivotal to the overall strategy or objective. Avoid using it for minor or secondary goals.

Common error

Avoid using "key goal" multiple times in close proximity. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "primary objective", "main aim", or "central target" after the first mention of "key goal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key goal" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement, identifying the most important objective or aim in a particular context. Ludwig shows examples of the phrase in use across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key goal" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of a specific objective. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the goal is indeed pivotal. Vary your language by using synonyms after the first mention to avoid repetition. Remember that using "key goal objective" can be redundant. Overall, "key goal" is a useful phrase for highlighting what is most crucial to achieve in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary objective

Focuses on the main aim, shifting from "goal" to "objective".

main aim

Replaces "goal" with "aim", suggesting the principal intention.

central target

Substitutes "key" with "central" and "goal" with "target", emphasizing the core focus.

principal purpose

Replaces "goal" with "purpose", highlighting the reason for an action.

essential objective

Emphasizes the necessity of the objective.

critical aim

Highlights the importance of the aim.

fundamental target

Stresses the basic and crucial nature of the target.

significant objective

Indicates the notable importance of the objective.

overriding goal

Implies a goal that takes precedence over others.

paramount aim

Highlights the supreme importance of the aim.

FAQs

How can I use "key goal" in a sentence?

You can use "key goal" to highlight the most important objective in a project or strategy. For example, "A "key goal" of the new marketing campaign is to increase brand awareness."

What can I say instead of "key goal"?

You can use alternatives like "primary objective", "main aim", or "central target" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "key goal objective"?

Yes, using "key goal objective" can be redundant as "goal" and "objective" are very similar. It's best to choose one or the other, such as ""key goal"" or "primary objective".

What's the difference between "key goal" and "strategic goal"?

"Key goal" emphasizes the importance of a specific goal. "Strategic goal", while it can be important, is more related to the planning and achievement of long-term objectives of an organization.