target

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'target' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, noun, or adjective. Example sentence: The sales team set a new target of 10,000 units for this quarter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It benefited from Amec's positivity on the oil and gas sector, and also from news that Nomura had moved from reduce to neutral and raised its price target on Weir from £14 to £18.50.

The Guardian - Business

We reiterate our buy stance and target price of £12.50.

The Guardian - Business

But, as a private company – just like a comedian mulling over a rape joke, or a troll looking for a target for his anger – it could choose not to.

The Guardian

"Australia had signed up to a commitment to actually having 0.7% of gross national income as a target by 2016.

The Guardian

"This is the global target to end poverty".

The New York Times - Magazine

The purpose was not to produce a useable photo, but to get the scoop on what the target was.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today he had to admit that not only has he missed his debt target but that growth will be substantially lower than he forecast.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gap, though, was not large: Labour have 83 target seats at stake with Ukip as a complicating factor.

The Guardian

He stressed that the UK currently meets the Nato target, but said that spending levels after 2016 would be determined by a spending review.

The Guardian

Speaking on a campaign visit in the SNP target seat of Edinburgh South earlier on Tuesday, Murphy said lots of voters were only beginning to think about the issues at stake: "The election is only 24 hours old; there are weeks to go," he said.

The Guardian

Polymetal - lifted in recent days by talk of a possible merger with Polyus Gold - lost 22p to £10.88 as it warned there was a chance it could miss its production target of 1.2m troy ounces of gold in 2013 due to delays at a Russian plant.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "target" as a verb, be precise about what is being aimed at or directed toward. For example, "The company targeted young adults with its new advertising campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "target" too broadly. Ensure it's clear whether you're referring to a goal, an object, or a demographic. Vague usage can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

Target functions primarily as a noun, denoting a specific objective, goal, or aim. It also serves as a verb, indicating the act of directing efforts or resources towards a particular purpose or recipient. As demonstrated by Ludwig's AI response, it's correct and usable in several forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "target" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its primary function is to define objectives and aims, and it's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using "target", ensure clarity regarding whether you're referring to an objective, a physical object, or a demographic. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively communicate your intended meaning across various scenarios. Its frequent use underscores its importance in clear and focused communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objective

Focuses on the desired outcome or achievement.

goal

Emphasizes the aim or end toward which effort is directed.

aim

Highlights the intention or purpose behind an action.

destination

Refers to the endpoint or final place to which someone or something is going.

intended recipient

Specifies the person or entity for whom something is meant.

mark

Denotes a specific point or object that serves as a reference.

prey

Indicates someone or something vulnerable to attack or pursuit.

fair game

Suggests someone or something considered a legitimate target for criticism or attack.

desired outcome

Focuses on the result or effect that is hoped for or expected.

subject

Indicates the entity or topic being discussed or acted upon.

FAQs

How can I use "target" in a sentence?

"Target" can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an objective or goal; as a verb, it means to aim or direct something at a specific point. Example: "The sales team has a monthly sales target" and "The marketing campaign will target young adults".

What are some synonyms for "target"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "target" include "goal", "objective", "aim", and "destination". Choose the word that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to say "target audience" or "intended audience"?

"Target audience" is commonly used in marketing and advertising to describe the specific group of people a campaign is designed to reach. "Intended audience" is a more general term that can be used in various contexts where you want to specify who something is meant for. The best choice depends on the specific context, but both are correct.

How does the meaning of "target" change when used in different fields?

The meaning of "target" can vary depending on the field. In business, it often refers to a specific goal or quota. In military contexts, it refers to an objective for attack. In marketing, it denotes a specific demographic. Always consider the specific context when interpreting the meaning of "target".