targeted against

USAGE SUMMARY

"targeted against" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means being directed towards someone or something in a negative or hostile manner. Example: The company's new advertising campaign seems to be targeted against their main competitor, as it repeatedly highlights the flaws of their products.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1977 Russia deployed intermediate-range missiles targeted against Western Europe.

The New Yorker

When targeted against foreigners, immigrants and refugees, it is a code for racism.

The Guardian

Toynbee said this showed that "quick and clever" action targeted against the "right popular issue" works.

The Guardian

"We have no information on who it was targeted against and no information on casualties," he said.

The New York Times

"The continuation of the Sheikh's abuse may result in an explosion of events targeted against U.S. interests.

The New Yorker

They are daring a form of speech addressed directly, and without apology, at the violence targeted against them.

The Guardian - Books

"There's certainly no actual evidence that the worm is targeted against Iran or anybody," he said in an e-mail.

The New Yorker

"It will be important to see if this kind of vitriol is only targeted against Western media and Westerners, or will it be targeted against any government critics or opposition," said a diplomat in Kabul.

The New York Times

Its actions are being targeted against entire apartment rentals.

TechCrunch

The Philippine military, however, dismissed that the show of force is not being targeted against China.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

The aminated surface allowed oriented binding of an antibody (Ab) bioreceptor, targeted against hCG (anti-hCG), to the CNT-SPE.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "targeted against", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being directed towards the target and why. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "targeted against" when a more neutral phrase like "aimed at" or "intended for" would be more appropriate. Overusing "targeted against" can introduce an unnecessary negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "targeted against" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the direction or object of an action. It often modifies a verb, specifying what or whom something is being directed toward, often in a defensive or combative manner. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "targeted against" is a prepositional phrase indicating direction toward a specific entity, often in a defensive or combative context. It's grammatically correct and very commonly used across science and news domains. While not inherently negative, it implies a specific aim or direction of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, while the analysis suggests using it thoughtfully to avoid unnecessary negative connotations, opting for alternatives such as "aimed at" or "intended for" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aimed at

Focuses on the direction or intent toward a specific target, often implying a goal or purpose.

Directed towards

Highlights the directional aspect, emphasizing the recipient of the action.

Focused on

Emphasizes the concentration of effort or attention on a particular target.

Geared towards

Suggests adaptation or preparation to suit a specific target or purpose.

Leveled at

Implies aiming something, like criticism or an accusation, directly at someone.

Intended for

Highlights the planned recipient or beneficiary of an action or item.

Designed for

Emphasizes the purpose-built nature to suit a specific target or function.

Meant for

Indicates the intended recipient or purpose of something.

Addressed to

Implies communication or action directed towards a particular person or group.

Oriented toward

Highlights the alignment or adaptation towards a specific goal or recipient.

FAQs

How can I use "targeted against" in a sentence?

Use "targeted against" to describe actions or strategies directed towards a specific entity, often with negative or defensive intent. For example, "The vaccine is "targeted against" the latest strain of the virus."

What are some alternatives to "targeted against"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aimed at", "directed towards", or "focused on". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is "targeted against" always negative?

While often used in contexts involving opposition or defense, "targeted against" isn't inherently negative. It simply indicates directionality toward a specific target. The negativity comes from the nature of the action being directed.

Which is correct, "targeted against" or "targeted towards"?

"Targeted against" is more commonly used when there's an element of opposition or defense. "Targeted towards" is less common but can be appropriate when simply indicating direction without the implication of hostility.