set a target for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a target for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing goals or objectives that you want to achieve within a specific timeframe or context. Example: "We need to set a target for our sales growth this quarter to ensure we meet our overall business objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Set a target for Tony Blair.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

The company has not set a target for 2009 because of the uncertain market conditions.

The New York Times

Khan said that this constraint means "I cannot set a target for affordable housing".

The Guardian

General Powell set a target for Kosovo-wide elections by the end of the year.

The New York Times

Finance Committee negotiators also want to set a target for savings through those reforms.

The Washington Post

The prime minister's latest wheeze is to set a target for home ownership.

The Economist

TfL refuses to set a target for congestion, leaving plenty of room for politically motivated manoeuvre.

The Economist

In March, the ITU and the broadband commission set a target for gender equality in access to broadband by 2020.

The Guardian

Labour has set a target for a minimum wage of £8 by the end of the next parliament.

The Guardian

For example, New Jersey was the first states to set a target for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

Avoid setting overly ambitious or unrealistic targets. Ensure the target is attainable given available resources and current conditions to maintain motivation and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a target for" functions as a verb phrase used to express the action of establishing or defining a specific objective or goal to be achieved. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often used in contexts where organizations or individuals are defining aims for future performance or outcomes. The analyzed phrase it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set a target for" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for defining goals and objectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal communications. To use it effectively, ensure the target is SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Avoid vague or unrealistic targets to maintain motivation and credibility. Consider alternatives like "establish a goal for" or "define an objective for" for nuanced communication. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your objectives and inspire action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a goal for

Replaces 'set' with 'establish', implying a more formal and deliberate process.

define an objective for

Uses 'define' instead of 'set', suggesting a more precise and detailed goal.

determine a benchmark for

Emphasizes the use of a standard for comparison.

specify a quota for

Focuses on a quantity or number as the target.

designate an aim for

Suggests a planned and intentional objective.

lay down a marker for

An idiomatic alternative that implies establishing a standard or expectation.

outline a purpose for

Highlights the intention or reason behind the target.

fix an expectation for

Emphasizes the anticipated outcome or performance.

nominate a level for

Implies a formal selection or designation of a target level.

envision an outcome for

Focuses on picturing or imagining the desired result.

FAQs

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

Use "set a target for" when you want to establish a specific goal or objective to be achieved. For example, "The company needs to "set a target for" reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2025."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "establish a goal for", "define an objective for", or "determine a benchmark for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "set a target for" or "aim for" a goal?

"Set a target for" implies a more formal and structured approach to goal setting, while "aim for" suggests a general direction or aspiration. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

What is the difference between "set a target for" and "achieve a target for"?

"Set a target for" refers to the act of establishing the goal, while "achieve a target for" indicates the successful completion or attainment of that goal.