target on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "target on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct expression is "target at" or "target for." Example: "We need to target our marketing efforts at young adults."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A "target on my back"?

The Economist

"I have a target on my back".

The New York Times

He turned the target on.

The New Yorker

He has a target on his back.

The New York Times - Sports

Nadal likes a target on his forehand.

The Guardian - Sport

And he stayed on target on 18.

The New York Times - Sports

We've got a target on us".

The New York Times - Sports

They didn't want a target on our forehead".

The New York Times - Sports

"Remember... you have a target on your back.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that domestic faultline was not the target on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thankfully, that is an optimistic target on the hunters' part.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative expressions like "aimed at" or "focused on" to convey the intended meaning with greater precision and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "target on" in formal or academic writing, as it is often perceived as grammatically incorrect. Opt for more precise and accepted alternatives to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "target on" functions primarily as a metaphor, indicating a state of increased vulnerability or heightened attention. Despite Ludwig AI suggesting its incorrectness, its frequent use in news and media contexts demonstrates its communicative power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "target on" is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, Ludwig AI points out that it is considered grammatically questionable. A more grammatically correct alternative is to use ""target at"". Other alternatives like "focused on" or "under scrutiny" might be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. When in doubt, opting for a more precise and accepted alternative ensures clarity and credibility, especially in formal writing. The high frequency of "target on" suggests it is widely understood, but careful consideration of the grammatical implications is advised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

target at

Corrects the preposition to the grammatically preferred "at", indicating direction or aim.

target for

Replaces the preposition to "for", suggesting suitability as a target.

aimed at

Uses "aimed" to convey the sense of directing efforts or actions.

focused on

Emphasizes the concentration of attention or resources.

under scrutiny

Highlights the state of being closely examined or observed.

vulnerable to

Indicates susceptibility to attack or criticism.

liable to

Suggests a tendency or likelihood of experiencing something negative.

subject to

Implies being exposed to a particular action or treatment.

in the crosshairs

Uses an idiom to mean being in a position of danger or intense focus.

on the radar

Indicates being noticed or monitored.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "target on" your back?

Having a "target on" your back typically means you're in a position where you're more likely to be criticized, attacked, or face increased scrutiny.

Is it grammatically correct to say "target on"?

While commonly used, "target on" is often considered grammatically incorrect. Alternatives like "target at" or "aimed at" are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "target on"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "focused on", "under scrutiny", or "liable to" as alternatives to "target on".

How can I avoid using "target on" incorrectly?

To avoid incorrect usage, consider the intended meaning. If you mean 'aimed at', use "target at". If you mean 'vulnerable to', rephrase to highlight the vulnerability directly.