set a target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'set a target' is grammatically correct in written English and can be used at any time.
For example, "I've set a target to finish writing this essay by midnight tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can set a target for longer-term interest rates.

The New York Times

The countries have set a target of £20bn by 2015.

The Guardian

I never set a target on reducing prison numbers.

The Guardian

But Mr. Hygin set a target of three months.

The New York Times

Toyota has set a target of selling 400,000 Prius cars annually by 2010.

The Guardian - Business

He has set a target price of $25 in 12 months.

The New York Times

Burley has set a target of 17 points for qualification for South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

Research shows that fundraisers raise more when they set a target.

The Guardian

The university then set a target of a 45% rise – six more "poor kids" a year!

The Guardian

Federal officials have set a target of adding a million new workers.

The New York Times

But it has set a target to reduce its carbon intensity by 17percentt by 2015.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a target", ensure the target is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This helps in effective planning and execution.

Common error

Avoid setting targets that are too broad or undefined. Instead of saying "set a target to improve sales", specify "set a target to increase sales by 15% in the next quarter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a target" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject (person or institution) to indicate the act of establishing a specific goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set a target" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of establishing a specific goal or objective. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. It's important to ensure that the targets you set are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to maximize their effectiveness. While alternatives like "establish a goal" or "define an objective" can be used, "set a target" remains a clear and direct way to communicate your intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a goal

Uses "establish" instead of "set", and "goal" instead of "target", offering a slight variation in formality.

define an objective

Replaces "set" with "define" and "target" with "objective", providing a more formal tone.

determine a benchmark

Substitutes "set" with "determine" and "target" with "benchmark", implying a standard for comparison.

designate a specific aim

Uses "designate" instead of "set" and "specific aim" for "target", emphasizing intentionality.

formulate a plan

Replaces the whole expression with focusing on the creation of a strategic approach.

specify an endpoint

Highlights the final result, changing the emphasis from the action of setting to the state of achievement.

outline a desired outcome

Focuses on the anticipation of a positive result.

fix a measurable standard

Highlights the ability to measure progress towards success.

elect an achievable metric

Underscores the practicality and selection of a criterion that can be tracked and accomplished.

chart a path to success

Emphasizes guidance and plotting to achieve a positive result.

FAQs

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

You can use "set a target" to describe the act of establishing a specific goal. For example, "The company "set a target" to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2025".

What are some alternatives to saying "set a target"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a goal", "define an objective", or "determine a benchmark" depending on the context.

Is it better to "set a target" or "achieve a target"?

"Set a target" refers to the act of defining a goal, while "achieve a target" refers to successfully reaching that goal. They describe different stages of the same process.

What's the difference between "set a target" and "set a goal"?

While "target" and "goal" are often used interchangeably, "target" tends to imply a more specific and measurable objective compared to "goal". Both "set a target" and "set a goal" are correct.