notional target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notional target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing an abstract or theoretical goal that may not be strictly quantifiable or achievable. Example: "The team set a notional target for sales growth this quarter, aiming to inspire motivation rather than impose strict limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For the moment, inflation is now running at roughly twice the Fed's notional target.

The Guardian - Opinion

England made minimal progress towards its notional target of 332 to win, scoring only 37 runs from the twenty and a half six-ball overs delivered.

The New York Times - Sports

Yousuf, a devout Muslim after converting from Christianity and changing his name from Yousuf Youhana, helped put Pakistan on course for victory, the home side declaring on 399 for six to set the tourists a notional target of 444.

The Guardian - Sport

Battered and bruised in the field by a second century in the match from Peter Fulton and McCullumed into oblivion for the umpteenth time in the past two months, England were set the notional target of 481 to win – uncharted territory in that regard for any side in the history of the game – but more realistically 143 overs to bat out and claim a share of the three-match series.

The Guardian - Sport

When McCullum finally called an end to the innings after Watling was caught in the deep, England were handed the notional target of 481 to win the match.

BBC

The Plantations for Australia: 2020 Vision, launched by the federal and state governments in 1997, aimed to enhance wealth creation and international competitiveness through a notional target of trebling the area of wood plantations to 3 Mha by 2020.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

England fell one wicket short on a dramatic final day, with Sri Lanka still 189 runs short of a notional 390 target.

BBC

England must somehow bat for more than four-and-a-half sessions to save the second Test, and stay level at 0-0, after Pakistan set them a notional world-record target of 491.

Independent

"The lunchtime declaration left Essex five sessions to bat, but the batsmen seemed more interested in the notional 606-run target.

BBC

According to reports, the chancellor's autumn statement next week will include promises specifically targeting this notional group of modest grafters so beloved by politicians - now being referred to in Whitehall as "jams".

The Guardian

The runtime world of the notional machine and the domain world of target processed by program code are hidden and are not clearly visible in program code.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "notional target", ensure the context clarifies that the target is primarily a conceptual or theoretical benchmark, not necessarily a realistic or achievable goal.

Common error

Avoid treating a "notional target" as a concrete objective. It's intended to be a theoretical benchmark for discussion or motivation, not a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notional target" functions as a noun phrase, where "notional" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "target". It typically describes a goal or objective that is theoretical, conceptual, or used as a reference point, but not necessarily intended to be strictly achieved. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notional target" describes a goal or objective that is primarily theoretical or conceptual. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various domains, most commonly in News & Media and Science. It serves to establish a benchmark for planning and motivation, and should not be confused with a realistic or guaranteed objective. When using this phrase, remember to clarify the theoretical nature of the target to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual target

Replaces "notional" with a synonym emphasizing the target as a concept or idea.

hypothetical target

Emphasizes the target's conditional or speculative nature.

theoretical goal

Replaces "target" with "goal", offering a less specific but similar meaning; "notional" is replaced with "theoretical".

abstract objective

Uses "abstract" to highlight the non-concrete nature of the objective.

putative target

Indicates the target is assumed or supposed, possibly without proof.

idealized target

Suggests the target is set as an ideal, perhaps unrealistic, benchmark.

projected target

Indicates a target estimated for the future, with inherent uncertainty.

speculative target

Highlights the uncertain and risk-laden nature of the target.

tentative target

Suggests the target is provisional and subject to change.

illustrative target

Implies the target serves as an example or demonstration, rather than a firm objective.

FAQs

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

You can use "notional target" to describe a goal that is more theoretical than practical. For example, "The company set a "notional target" for reducing carbon emissions, knowing it would be challenging to achieve in the short term."

What's a good alternative to "notional target"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "notional target" include "hypothetical target", "theoretical goal", or "conceptual target".

Is "notional target" the same as "realistic target"?

No, a "notional target" is a theoretical or conceptual goal, whereas a realistic target is an objective that is likely achievable based on current conditions and resources. They are not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use the term "notional target"?

Use "notional target" when you want to emphasize that a target is more of a benchmark for discussion, planning, or motivation, rather than a firm, guaranteed objective. It is often used in contexts where precise prediction is difficult.