set goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set goal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an idea of establishing an objective. For example, "Setting a goal to save 10% of my monthly salary was the best financial decision I ever made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Every time he was involved in an attack it was like a starter pistol went off: on your marks, get set, goal.

The Guardian - Sport

As its name suggests, the site helps people set "goal plans" and implement them, primarily by sending them pestering e-mail for $5.95 a month.

The New York Times - Tech

To this end, GiveWell keeps its list of recommendations small — two top charities and six "standout organizations" — and it looks to groups that have a set goal in mind.

The New York Times

REUTERS Barclaysys to Set Goal for Profitability  |  The new chief executive of Barclays said he would announce a profitability target in the first quarter of next year, Bloomberg News reports.

The New York Times

Health Minister Zhang Wenkang estimated that there were 600,000 people with H.I.V. in China and repeated a previously set goal to limit the number of infections to 1.5 million by 2010.

The New York Times

3. Users don't have one set goal in mind.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

There's also the ability to set goal-based exercises - in either distance, time or calories - for more than 15 activities.

Forbes

In two experimental studies, participants were randomly assigned to one of the following five conditions: self-set goal repetitive play, assigned goal repetitive play, no-set goal repetitive play, no-set goal single play, and no play.

Computers in Human Behavior

Enable force-protected eradication with the Afghan-set goal of eradicating 50,000 hectares as the benchmark.

The New York Times

Contributors pledge funding – often associated with a reward in addition to the product – but no one is charged until and unless a pre-set goal is reached.

Duke University

Chinese shipyards are ramping up production to challenge South Korea’s position as the world’s largest shipbuilding nation, with a state-set goal to become No. 1 by 2015.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set goal", ensure the goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) for better clarity and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid setting overly broad or ambiguous goals when using "set goal". Clearly define what you want to achieve to avoid confusion and ensure a focused approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set goal" functions as a verb phrase where "set" is a transitive verb and "goal" is its direct object. It describes the act of establishing a specific objective or target, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set goal" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe establishing an objective. Ludwig's analysis indicates it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, highlighting its versatility. While generally neutral in register, it's important to define SMART goals when employing this phrase for optimal clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage. Remember to avoid vagueness when you "set goal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish objective

Focuses on the act of establishing rather than just setting.

define target

Emphasizes a specific, measurable target.

determine objective

Highlights the process of figuring out what you want to achieve.

formulate aim

A more formal way of expressing the creation of a goal.

lay out plan

Stresses the planning aspect involved in achieving something.

devise strategy

Implies a detailed approach to reaching a goal.

chart course

A more metaphorical way of indicating the setting of a direction.

map out path

Similar to charting a course, but with more emphasis on the steps involved.

specify intention

Highlights the clarity and explicitness of the desired outcome.

designate purpose

Emphasizes the purpose or reason behind the goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "set goal" to describe the act of establishing an objective. For example, "I "set a goal" to read one book per week."

What are some alternatives to "set goal"?

Alternatives include "establish objective", "define target", or "determine objective", depending on the specific context.

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

"Set a goal" refers to the act of establishing an objective, while "achieve a goal" refers to successfully reaching that objective. They describe different stages in the process.

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

"Set a goal" implies a deliberate action of defining an objective. "Have a goal" simply means possessing an objective, without necessarily having actively defined it.