targeted assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

"targeted assistance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually refers to an action or program tailored to meet the specific needs of an individual or group. For example, "The government has recently introduced a program of targeted assistance to help low-income families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The old welfare system targeted assistance to single parents, so a woman who married, or even cohabited, usually lost her benefits.

The New Yorker

That they have come this far shows that timely regulation, targeted assistance and government-private sector cooperation can pay big dividends for industry and the environment.

The New York Times

If governments (and voters) want cows with bells to graze on flowering pastures, or stipends for poor farmers so they can live on marginal land, they should surely pay themselves through targeted assistance.Cow-ardlySadly, the pressure for even modest reforms, let alone a root-and-branch liberalisation, has dissipated.

The Economist

"We have targeted assistance to the Roma," he points out, but "we didn't change the society.

Huffington Post

The United States and the European Union have weighed in on the side of the Saudis, helping with intelligence sharing, targeted assistance, and advisory and logistical support.

Huffington Post

The United States, for instance, has found that one important tool in helping to mobilize clean energy investment in Africa has been targeted assistance with early stage project planning -- once the plans are in place, the private investment (and ultimately the electricity) begins to flow.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The budget papers say the changes, which apply from 1 July 2015, "will better target assistance to families on lower incomes and will improve the on-going sustainability of family payments".

The Guardian

In 2002, President Bush created the Millennium Challenge Account, which is designed to target assistance to countries that adopt smart policies, and said that the U.S. would give five billion dollars in aid by 2006.

The New Yorker

That depressing figure might, presumably, be improved if existing government assistance reached the people it should.The broader question is whether America's new strategy of targeting assistance overwhelmingly to the working poor should be judged a success.

The Economist

It's clear that there is room for cuts, but abolishing family tax benefit part B, or rolling part A and part B into one payment with a uniform withdrawal rate, as the Henry Review recommended, would be a better way of targeting assistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

This support involves what the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) terms "targeting assistance".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "targeted assistance", clearly define the target group or area to emphasize the purpose and effectiveness of the assistance. For example, instead of saying 'The program provides targeted assistance', specify 'The program provides targeted assistance to unemployed veterans'.

Common error

Avoid using "targeted assistance" without specifying who or what is being targeted. Vague statements like 'We offer targeted assistance' lack impact. Be specific to highlight the program's focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "targeted assistance" functions as a noun phrase, where "targeted" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "assistance". This indicates a specific type of help or aid that is directed towards a particular group or purpose, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "targeted assistance" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase that describes aid or support directed toward a specific group or purpose. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, formal business documents, and scientific contexts, and the sources like Huffington Post, Vice and The Guardian reinforces this conclusion. It is advisable to be specific when using the term and avoid overgeneralization, thus enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing. While the phrase is considered appropriate, it's important to use alternatives when necessary to maintain the writing style's richness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused support

Emphasizes the concentration of resources on a specific area.

specialized aid

Highlights the customized nature of the assistance provided.

specific help

Indicates assistance tailored to a particular requirement.

customized support

Stresses the adaptation of assistance to individual needs.

personalized assistance

Highlights the tailoring of assistance to an individual's unique circumstances.

directed aid

Implies a purposeful allocation of aid to a specific target.

purpose-built assistance

Suggests that the assistance was designed with a particular goal in mind.

earmarked support

Indicates that the support has been specifically designated for a certain use.

designated help

Suggests that the help is specifically assigned to someone or something.

individualized aid

Highlights the personalized nature of the support, focusing on specific needs of each individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "targeted assistance" to describe programs or initiatives designed to help specific groups. For example: "The government provides "targeted assistance" to small businesses affected by the pandemic."

What's an alternative to saying "targeted assistance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "focused support", "specialized aid", or "specific help". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes "targeted assistance" effective?

The effectiveness of "targeted assistance" lies in its ability to address specific needs or problems more efficiently than generalized approaches. By directing resources precisely, it ensures those who need help most receive it.

Is "targeted assistance" always a positive thing?

While generally positive, the effectiveness of "targeted assistance" depends on accurate identification of needs and fair distribution of resources. If the targeting is flawed or biased, it can lead to inequitable outcomes.