targeted

USAGE SUMMARY

"targeted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been specifically selected or addressed. Example sentence: Through targeted advertising, the company was able to reach its desired demographic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We must show our young people, who may be targeted, that extremists have nothing to offer them.

The Guardian

Chafee's candidacy seems targeted almost directly at Hillary Clinton and her foreign policy record – the Democratic equivalent of those conservative hawks who sought to enter the Republican primary solely to excoriate Rand Paul on the debate stage.

The Guardian

Schmidt will have targeted the Wales game during the first week of camp before the tournament, working on bits and pieces".

The Guardian - Sport

It used to be an opportunist crime – a dog taken from outside a shop, for instance – but now "it's much more about organised crime, where particular places are targeted, [such as] kennels, where there can be multiple thefts, particularly for valuable dogs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Physical activity should be targeted to the same extent as smoking with respect to public health prevention efforts in the elderly," they said.

The Guardian

But it is not the first time journalists have been deliberately targeted: Serb television was bombed during the Kosovo conflict because it was seen as an agent and advocate of state terrorism.

The Guardian

Acting with seeming impunity and military precision, the extremists oversaw an organised campaign that targeted dark-skinned immigrants, leftist opponents and gay people, according to state prosecutors, who spent 15 months investigating the openly xenophobic, antisemitic and homophobic group.

The Guardian

Drake challenged the need for mass surveillance rather than targeted surveillance.

The Guardian

Elder said the officer seemed to be targeted because he was a member of the police force, not because of anything he might have done.

The Guardian

The Hazara are Shia Muslims and are frequently targeted by extremists from among the Sunni majority in Pakistan.

The Guardian

Reporting in northern Nigeria is notoriously difficult; journalists have been targeted by Boko Haram, and, unlike in Paris, people on the ground are isolated and struggle with access to the internet and other communications.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "targeted" to clearly indicate a specific focus or intended recipient. For example, "a targeted marketing campaign" effectively conveys a campaign designed for a particular audience.

Common error

Avoid using "targeted" when the objective is general or lacks a specific focus. For example, saying "targeted improvements" without specifying which improvements are being prioritized weakens the statement. Be specific about what is being "targeted".

Linguistic Context

The word "targeted" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is directed or aimed at a specific goal, group, or objective. Ludwig shows that it often describes interventions, campaigns, or strategies designed for particular audiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "targeted" is a versatile adjective widely used to denote a specific focus or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. This analysis provides insights into its function, purpose, and register, offering guidance on its effective use. Understanding the nuances of "targeted" ensures clarity and precision in communication. Furthermore, this entry explores some common mistakes and best practices to remember when working with the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed at

Emphasizes the direction or intention behind the action, focusing on the intended recipient or goal.

directed towards

Highlights the act of guiding or channeling efforts or resources in a specific direction.

focused on

Stresses the concentration of attention or resources on a particular subject or objective.

geared towards

Implies that something has been specifically designed or adapted to suit a particular purpose or audience.

intended for

Highlights the purpose or destination for which something is planned or meant.

designed for

Focuses on the creation or adaptation of something with a specific end use in mind.

customized for

Implies tailoring or modifying something to meet the unique needs or preferences of a specific individual or group.

tailored to

Similar to "customized", but suggests a more refined or precise adjustment.

slanted towards

Suggests a bias or leaning in a particular direction or towards a specific viewpoint.

addressed to

Emphasizes the recipient or audience to whom something is specifically communicated or directed.

FAQs

How can I use "targeted" in a sentence?

You can use "targeted" to describe actions or strategies aimed at a specific group or objective. For instance, "The company launched a "targeted advertising campaign" to reach younger consumers".

What are some alternatives to using "targeted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "aimed at", "directed towards", or "focused on".

Is it correct to say "highly targeted"?

Yes, "highly targeted" is grammatically correct and emphasizes a very specific or precise focus. For example, "a highly targeted approach".

What's the difference between "targeted" and "general"?

"Targeted" implies a specific focus, while "general" refers to a broader, less defined approach. For example, "targeted marketing" focuses on specific demographics, whereas "general marketing" aims to reach a wider audience.