likely target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, group, or object that is expected to be the focus of an action or event, often in contexts like security, marketing, or analysis. Example: "The researchers identified the likely target of the study as individuals aged 18 to 25 who frequently use social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To many, the management business seemed like the least likely target for consolidation.

The New York Times - Arts

Some things that might make you a more likely target are: Dressing like a tourist.

WikiHow

Like the centrosome, this sphere of F-actin is also a likely target of the loukoumasome.

Plosone

He was, like our current crop of financiers, a vicious bastard, and he was the likely target of the bomb.

Vice

The most likely target is U.S. agriculture products and airplanes.

The Washington Post

Mr. Trump's most likely target for expansion is Minnesota.

The New York Times

Even the likely target list is starting to come out.

The Washington Post

This makes hospitals the most likely target for cuts.

The Economist

In Mosul, bodyguards for the governor, the bomb's likely target, said the same thing.

The New York Times

Better yet, a committed customer is a likely target for buying additional services.

The New York Times

Jerusalem was especially edgy, with officials calling it a likely target.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely target", consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate synonym to convey the intended nuance (e.g., "probable target" for higher certainty, "potential target" for possibility).

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "likely target" within the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "potential target" or "probable recipient" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely target" functions as a noun phrase, where "likely" is an adjective modifying the noun "target". It identifies a person, group, or object with a high probability of being the recipient or focus of a particular action or event, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely target" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a person, group, or object expected to be the focus of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency across diverse sources, especially in News & Media, underscores its widespread application. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to select the most fitting synonym, such as "probable target" or "potential target", ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. Be mindful of overuse to maintain reader engagement. The phrase serves to highlight vulnerabilities, inform strategic decisions, and anticipate potential outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable target

Emphasizes the higher probability of being the target.

potential target

Highlights the possibility of being targeted.

expected target

Focuses on anticipation or predictability.

anticipated target

Stresses that the target was foreseen.

presumed target

Implies an assumption about the target.

most vulnerable target

Highlights the weakness or susceptibility of the target.

prime target

Indicates the target is the most desirable or important.

obvious target

Suggests the target is easily identifiable.

designated target

Emphasizes that the target was specifically chosen.

selected target

Highlights a choice among several possible targets.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely target" to refer to someone or something that is expected to be the recipient of an action. For example: "The company is a "likely target" for acquisition", or "The protestors were a "likely target" for the police".

What's a phrase similar to "likely target"?

Similar phrases include "potential target", "probable target", or "expected target". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "most likely target"?

Yes, "most "likely target"" is grammatically correct and emphasizes that the target is the most probable among several options.

What are the implications of labeling something a "likely target"?

Labeling something as a "likely target" suggests a vulnerability or predisposition to a specific action, such as an attack, acquisition, or policy change. It can highlight the need for preventative measures or strategic planning.