set target for

USAGE SUMMARY

"set target for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used when talking about establishing a specific goal or objective for something. For example: - The company has set a target for increasing sales by 20% next quarter. - The government has set a target for reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. - As a teacher, it is important to set targets for your students to help them achieve their academic goals. - The team captain set a target for the team to win at least 10 games this season. - Our personal trainer set a target for us to be able to run a 5k in under 30 minutes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We do not set targets for sanctions.

The Guardian

Set targets for increasing this contact base.

The Guardian

The central government set targets for reducing PM2.5 concentrations.

Yale University

Didn't the agreement set targets for lending?

The Guardian - Business

So surely we should set targets for suicide prevention, right?

The Guardian - Opinion

Central banks should not set targets for asset prices.

The Economist

Recommendations The new government should set targets for building for the next 20 years.

The Guardian

Under the new terms, Revlon will set targets for product returns.

The New York Times

And without a baseline measure of productivity, it is impossible to set targets for improvement.

Harvard Business Review

The government set targets for literacy and numeracy and lo, literacy and numeracy rocketed.

The Economist

Secondary schools were set targets for GCSEs, the exams taken by 16-year-olds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set target for", ensure the target is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This provides clarity and increases the likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid setting overly ambitious or vague targets when using the phrase "set target for". Ensure that targets are realistic and clearly defined to prevent frustration and ensure better outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set target for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of establishing a specific goal or objective for someone or something. It highlights the intention to define a measurable outcome. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set target for" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of establishing a specific goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance across diverse sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Forbes underscores its widespread acceptance. When employing this phrase, remember to create SMART targets, ensuring they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This promotes clarity and increases the likelihood of achieving the set goals, avoiding vagueness which is a common pitfall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish an objective for

Replaces "set target" with "establish an objective", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

define a goal for

Substitutes "set target" with "define a goal", indicating a more precise and clear objective.

specify an objective for

Uses "specify an objective" instead of "set target", implying a clear and detailed goal.

determine an aim for

Uses "determine an aim" instead of "set target", implying a more deliberate and considered objective.

formulate an objective for

Uses "formulate an objective" in place of "set target", indicating a structured and planned objective.

outline a goal for

Replaces "set target" with "outline a goal", conveying a planned objective.

designate a benchmark for

Replaces "set target" with "designate a benchmark", suggesting a standard for measuring performance.

lay down a marker for

Replaces "set target" with "lay down a marker", conveying the establishment of a clear standard.

devise a plan for

Substitutes "set target" with "devise a plan", focusing on the creation of a structured approach.

assign a quota for

Substitutes "set target" with "assign a quota", indicating a specific quantity or amount to achieve.

FAQs

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

You can use "set target for" to indicate establishing a specific goal. For example: "The company needs to "establish an objective for" improving customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "set target for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "define a goal for", "determine an aim for", or "designate a benchmark for", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "set target for" and "set targets for"?

"Set target for" typically refers to setting a single, specific goal, while "set targets for" implies establishing multiple goals or objectives. Context determines the appropriate usage.

When is it appropriate to use "set target for" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "set target for" in formal writing when discussing strategic goals, performance objectives, or benchmarks, particularly in business, academic, and scientific contexts.