targeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'targeting' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action or task that is aimed at a particular group or at achieving a specific goal. For example: The company's marketing campaign was specifically targeting younger demographics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another example is the disproportionate suspicion given to and police targeting of black men in tracksuits, whereas their white counterparts are more likely to be seen as joggers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its executive Loren Treisman says: "It's exciting to see a technology-driven project targeting such an unexpected constituency.

The Guardian

Michelin says targeting young people, even those vulnerable to gang influence, is unhealthy for the community.

The Guardian

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the opposition Nationalist Movement party (MHP), said the controversy was a political manoeuvre devised by Erdogan to "cover up his faults", including corruption claims targeting his inner circle.

The Guardian

"He presented an opinion that [the bank] would be better off targeting an alliance with a player such as Rabobank if it was serious such about pursuing such a major acquisition," Kelly wrote.

The Guardian - Business

There is a lot of guff talked about targeting leaders, as if the opposition are sharp shooters in the rigging of a man o'war.

The Guardian - Sport

In another well-documented action as part of the Save the Arctic Campaign, Greenpeace is targeting Russian energy provider, Gazprom.

The Guardian

Their recommendation that this new legal framework must be based on an explicit avowal of intrusive surveillance capabilities and spell out authorisation procedures, privacy constraints, transparence requirements, targeting criteria and the rest is also significant.

The Guardian

The Syrian army is targeting al-Muwadhafeen and Sheikh Yassin districts because they are close to the mountain where the Syrian army is based.

The Guardian

That's why we are targeting the suppliers.

The Guardian

While it is true that Ukip's share of the vote fell, it had, through clever targeting, made big strides into local government at the expense of the three main parties.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In security contexts, use "targeting" to precisely describe the intended focus of surveillance or defensive measures.

Common error

Avoid using "targeting" too broadly. Ensure that your actions are specific and well-defined; otherwise, you risk diluting your efforts and achieving minimal impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "targeting" is as a present participle or gerund, often used as part of a verb phrase or as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, showing how it functions to describe actions directed towards a specific aim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "targeting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe directing efforts toward a specific goal or group. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in news, business, and scientific writing, "targeting" serves to clearly define the intended focus of actions. To ensure clarity, avoid using "targeting" too broadly, and consider alternatives like "aiming at" or "focusing on" for subtle differences in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "targeting" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming at

Focuses on the act of directing effort, similar to "targeting" but emphasizes the directionality of the action.

focusing on

Highlights the concentration of attention or resources, differing from "targeting" which can also imply taking action.

concentrating on

Stresses the intensity of focus and effort, differing from "targeting" which can be a more general term.

directing towards

Emphasizes the channeling of resources or efforts in a specific direction, differing slightly in tone from "targeting".

pinpointing

Highlights the act of precisely identifying a specific target or area, suggesting accuracy beyond simply "targeting".

gearing towards

Implies preparing or adjusting actions to achieve a particular goal, adding a sense of readiness absent in "targeting".

identifying

Focuses on the act of recognizing a specific group or objective, differing from "targeting" which implies further action.

zeroing in on

Suggests a narrowing of focus to a specific point, conveying a sense of precision that "targeting" may not always have.

addressing

Implies dealing with a specific issue or group, differing from "targeting" which focuses on directing actions.

catering to

Suggests providing specific services or products to a particular group, adding a dimension of service to the act of "targeting".

FAQs

How can I use "targeting" in a sentence?

You can use "targeting" to describe directing efforts or actions toward a specific goal or group. For example, "The marketing campaign is targeting younger consumers."

What are some alternatives to "targeting"?

Alternatives include "aiming at", "focusing on", or "directing towards", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "targeting" and "aiming at"?

"Targeting" often implies a strategic or planned approach, while "aiming at" is more about directionality. You might target a specific demographic with a marketing campaign, aiming at increased sales.

When is it appropriate to use "targeting" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, "targeting" is appropriate when discussing strategic objectives, planned actions, or specific goals, especially in business, security, or policy discussions. For example, "The new policy is targeting vulnerable communities."