run to target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run to target" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an idea of moving quickly in order to reach a specific goal. For example, "The project has to be completed by the end of the week, so I'm running to target."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If fatherhood doesn't exactly make Pollack "grow up," he does mature, and it's not just passing up the second day of the "Austin City Limits" outdoor concert so he can run to Target for a plastic potty training seat.

The New York Times

Okay, do people really buy $80K sedans to run to Target ?

Forbes

We present a novel approach that uses standard Illumina barcoding primers and a single Illumina HiSeq run to target polymorphic STR fragments to develop and test STR markers.

BMC Genomics

"By the time I'm home, they've already eaten and I can grab a kid, make a run to Target.

The New York Times

Nowadays those stereotypes have faded, since the C.I.A. is full of cautious desk jockeys whose idea of globe-trotting is jumping into the S.U.V. for a run to Target.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I tagged along for doctor appointments, trips to Stater Brothers, runs to Target for lipstick.

Los Angeles Times

Parents herd their young while struggling under their own weight in mini-fridges and extra tall twin bed sheets, after the obligatory runs to Target, of course.

Huffington Post

Using a stopwatch, the kids begin the race at the starting line, run to the target and then run back to their teammate waiting at the starting line to take their turn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The next morning, I knock out some writing assignments (at home), spend a couple hours shopping online, maybe run out to Target for a few essentials, then get back to my Christmas shopping (on the couch).

Huffington Post

Panellists are recruited using a range of online and offline methods, for example, postal invitations and email and advertising campaigns are run periodically to target hard-to-reach groups.

BMJ Open

Nine sports, both rugby codes, hockey, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, football, netball and tennis, are already running schemes to target drop-off rates but none of them have managed to properly check the decline as yet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run to target", ensure the context clearly indicates a rapid movement or progression towards a specific goal. The phrase can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

Common error

Avoid using "run to target" in contexts where a slower, more deliberate approach is implied. This phrase conveys urgency and may be inappropriate if the situation requires careful planning over speed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run to target" functions primarily as a purpose connector, indicating the reason or objective for taking action. It suggests a direct and rapid movement towards a specified goal. This is validated by Ludwig's examples, which often involve campaigns, projects, or other initiatives striving to reach a certain target.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run to target" is a phrase used to describe a focused and rapid effort to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from various sources. While not exceedingly formal, it is suitable for general communication, particularly in news and media contexts. Related phrases, such as "race toward the goal" or "hurry to the objective", can provide alternative ways to express this idea, depending on the desired nuance. To ensure effective use, it's important to consider the context and avoid applying the phrase in situations where a slower, more deliberate approach is warranted. While Ludwig's analysis demonstrates that it is correct and usable, it is crucial to consider if the situation requires speed or careful deliberation when choosing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

race toward the goal

Replaces "run" with "race", emphasizing speed and competition in achieving the target.

hurry to the objective

Substitutes "run" with "hurry", indicating a sense of urgency, and "target" with "objective", which is a more formal term.

sprint to the destination

Replaces "run" with "sprint", highlighting a burst of speed, and "target" with "destination", focusing on the endpoint.

dash to the endpoint

Similar to "sprint", "dash" implies a quick movement, and "endpoint" specifies the final point.

rush toward the aim

"Rush" suggests a hurried movement, while "aim" is a synonym for "target" with a slightly different connotation.

make haste to the objective

Uses the more formal "make haste" instead of "run", and retains "objective" as a synonym for "target".

move quickly to the goal

Replaces "run" with a descriptive phrase "move quickly" and maintains "goal" as a direct synonym.

proceed swiftly to the destination

Employs more formal language, replacing "run" with "proceed swiftly" and "target" with "destination".

advance rapidly to the aim

"Advance rapidly" indicates a fast progression, while "aim" serves as a synonym for "target".

press on toward the mark

Uses "press on" to convey continued effort and "mark" as a synonym for "target" in the sense of a point to be reached.

FAQs

How can I use "run to target" in a sentence?

You can use "run to target" to describe quickly progressing towards a specific objective, as in "The project team is running to target to meet the deadline".

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

Alternatives to "run to target" include "race toward the goal", "hurry to the objective", or "sprint to the destination", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "run to target" formal or informal?

"Run to target" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both informal and professional contexts, but it's less formal than phrases like "proceed swiftly to the destination".

When is it inappropriate to use "run to target"?

It might be inappropriate to use "run to target" when describing a process that requires careful deliberation or a slow, steady pace, as it implies a sense of urgency and speed.