on target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a goal being achieved or a task being completed successfully. For example, "We are happy to report that our fundraising campaign was on target."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The mantra was "on target, on trigger".

Los Angeles Times

Lions had just one shot on target.

BBC

Visitors had one shot on target.

BBC

Tottenham manage only one shot on target.

BBC

Chelsea have one shot on target.

BBC

Only one of them was on target.

BBC

Right on target.

The New Yorker

"Two shots on target?

The Guardian - Sport

They are right on target.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It had 12 on-target scoring attempts.

The New York Times - Sports

Stoll was astonishingly on-target here.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on target" to convey that a plan, prediction, or performance is aligning with desired outcomes. It's effective in business, sports, and project management contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "on target" in very casual conversation where simpler phrases like "right" or "correct" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on target" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate accuracy or alignment with a predetermined goal. It describes the state of something being correct or progressing as expected, in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on target" is a versatile expression indicating accuracy, progress, or alignment with a goal. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's most prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, signifying its importance in professional communication. When writing, use "on target" to convey assurance and precision, but be mindful of its slightly formal tone in casual settings. Remember alternatives like "spot on" or "accurate" exist, depending on the intended nuance. The phrase enjoys strong support from authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spot on

Emphasizes perfect accuracy or correctness, differing in its informal tone.

right on the money

Indicates exactness or precision, adding an informal, emphatic tone.

on track

Highlights progress and forward movement towards a goal, differing in its emphasis on the journey rather than the destination.

accurate

Focuses on the correctness of information or predictions, omitting the sense of progression towards a goal.

as planned

Stresses adherence to a predetermined course of action, differing by suggesting a lack of deviation.

hitting the mark

Implies successful achievement of a specific objective, using a more metaphorical expression.

correct

Indicates agreement with fact or truth, lacking the connotation of aiming for something.

meeting expectations

Highlights fulfilling anticipated requirements, shifting focus to the fulfillment of a standard.

in line with expectations

Focuses on conforming to anticipated outcomes, adding a layer of formality.

achieving goals

Emphasizes accomplishment, differing in its focus on the result rather than the process.

FAQs

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

You can use "on target" to indicate that something is accurate, progressing as planned, or meeting expectations. For example, "Our sales figures are "on target" for this quarter".

What can I say instead of "on target"?

Alternatives to "on target" include "spot on", "accurate", or "on track", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'right on target'?

Yes, "right on target" is an acceptable and more emphatic way of saying ""on target"", indicating something is precisely accurate or correct.

What does it mean to be 'off target'?

Being "off target" means that something is not accurate, not progressing as planned, or failing to meet expectations. It's the opposite of being ""on target"".