locked on target

USAGE SUMMARY

"locked on target" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone or something that is focused on a goal or objective. For example, you could say "The team is locked on target to finish the project by the end of the month".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Since the scanning grid is locked on target, several volume data sets can be taken from the same area and averaged to reduce the speckle noise.

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's an awesome performance — not least because they are so successful as hunters: they are eagle-eyed (if the avian metaphor may be allowed) and they have, unusually for birds, true binocular vision, which helps them lock on target.

The New York Times - Science

As the missiles were put to wider use, rebels began to complain, saying that more often than not they failed to fire or to lock on targets.

The New York Times

The missile flew at a low cruise altitude and at a predetermined distance from the expected target position, its AN/DSQ-28 J-band active radar seeker in the nose was activated to acquire and lock on the target.

Wikipedia

"We've studied golfers with goggles that measure eye movement, and the more skilled ones lock on a specific target ahead of them and then focus entirely on the back of the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Using the Wiimote to lock on to targets and shoot, and the nunchuk to move or dodge, you can also unleash stinging melee attacks with the buttons when enemies get too close.

The Guardian - Tech

The screen locks on targets, warns when an enemy is near and shields the player from attack.

The New York Times

Despite being in constant high-speed motion, it can lock on to a target celestial object and track it continuously without its gaze wandering by more than 0.007 "arcseconds" – the width of a human hair seen at a distance of 1.5km.

Independent

The best technique for this is to try to get the middle of your crosshairs as close to the target as possible, then look down the sight and properly lock on to your target.

WikiHow

Firing a missile requires knowledge of how to use radar, how to lock on to a target and a host of other steps beyond the average rebel.

The Guardian

Hoyos' software grabs many partial images and assembles them, allowing the system to process cases perhaps 20 times as fast and lock on a moving target.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "locked on target" when you want to convey a strong sense of focus, determination, or precision in achieving a specific goal. It's suitable for both literal (e.g., missile guidance) and figurative (e.g., business strategy) contexts.

Common error

While "locked on target" is widely understood, overuse in formal reports or academic papers might make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider alternatives like "focused on achieving the objective" or "committed to the goal" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locked on target" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, often used figuratively to describe a state of intense focus or determination. Ludwig confirms its correctness for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "locked on target" is an idiomatic phrase that signifies a strong focus and determination toward achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. While common across various contexts, including news and media, science, and general discourse, it may be more suitable for informal settings. When writing for academic or highly formal purposes, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "focused on the objective" or "determined to achieve". Remember that while it conveys precision and unwavering intent, avoiding overuse can keep your writing sharp and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused on the objective

Replaces the idiomatic "locked" with a more literal "focused", emphasizing the concentration on a goal.

determined to achieve

Shifts the focus to the resolve and intent behind pursuing a goal.

zeroed in on the aim

Uses a different metaphor, "zeroed in", to convey precise targeting.

laser-focused on the goal

Emphasizes intensity of focus by using "laser-focused".

fixated on the purpose

Implies a strong and possibly obsessive focus on the intended outcome.

intent on accomplishing

Highlights the intention and commitment to finishing a task.

riveted on the target

Uses "riveted" to suggest being completely held by the objective.

single-mindedly pursuing

Stresses the dedication and lack of distraction in the pursuit.

resolved to reach

Focuses on the firm decision to arrive at a particular destination or outcome.

dead set on achieving

Implies an unshakeable and resolute determination.

FAQs

How can I use "locked on target" in a sentence?

You can use "locked on target" to describe someone or something that is highly focused on achieving a specific goal. For example: "The marketing team is "locked on target" to increase sales by 20% this quarter."

What's a less informal alternative to "locked on target"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "focused on the objective", "determined to achieve", or "committed to the goal".

Is "locked on target" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "locked on target" might be perceived as too informal for some academic writing. Evaluate the tone of your piece and consider more formal alternatives if necessary.

What does "locked on target" mean in a military context?

In a military context, "locked on target" typically refers to a weapon system, such as a missile or radar, that has successfully acquired and is tracking its intended target.