targeting something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "targeting something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of aiming at or focusing on a specific goal, audience, or issue. Example: The marketing campaign is targeting young adults. Alternative expressions include "aiming at," "focusing on," and "addressing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"There's a difference between targeting something that's present in the tumor and targeting something that causes the tumor," said Dr. Brian Druker, a professor at Oregon Health and Science University and an important developer of Gleevec.

The New York Times

We are very carefully targeting suspected or potential storage sites for just the reasons you outlined, so that we don't get an unintended effect by targeting something kinetically.

The New York Times

"This is an elegant way to treat cancer, because we're not targeting something on the cell surface, but something in the blood supply," Dr. Desaidd-Hellman said.

The New York Times

The silences are what should make this one-act — about two hit men killing time before targeting something more sentient — so deliciously dissonant.

The New York Times

Since cancer is known for its tendency to mutate, these off-the-shelf treatments "may be targeting something that doesn't exist in each patient," says Jeff Abbey, CEO of Argos Therapeutics, the Durham, North Carolina, biotech that developed the kidney cancer treatment.

MIT Technology Review

Microsoft, Cisco, and others like Unify and Broadsoft are targeting something like that same experience.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Paul, to his great credit, also raised the possibility that an unpopular minority group could be targeted — something that actually did happen, with large-scale detentions, after Pearl Harbor.

The New Yorker

The crackdown, beginning in 2007, targeted something called "Ergenekon," which prosecutors and police claimed was the name given to the deep state itself.

The New Yorker

"Every time that immigrants are being scapegoated or targeted, something happens," Eva Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, told the paper.

The Washington Post

Now, the al-Qaeda-linked group has targeted something else common in most of the rest of the world: the Internet.

The Washington Post

So why target something mediocre towards women?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "targeting something", ensure that the object of your targeting is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "targeting something in the market", specify "targeting a specific customer segment in the market".

Common error

Avoid using "targeting something" without a clear and specific object. Vague targeting can lead to ineffective strategies and wasted resources. Ensure the target is well-defined and measurable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "targeting something" typically functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund or participle, indicating the act of aiming or focusing on an unspecified object or objective. Ludwig provides examples where it is used in contexts ranging from cancer treatment to marketing strategies, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "targeting something" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of directing efforts towards a specific, but not necessarily defined, object or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its use across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the object of targeting is clearly defined to maintain clarity and effectiveness. Related phrases like "aiming at something" or "focusing on something" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming at something

Focuses on the direction of the action, similar to targeting, but implies a more general direction.

focusing on something

Emphasizes concentration and attention towards a specific item or goal.

singling out something

Highlights the act of choosing one particular item from a group.

concentrating on something

Similar to focusing, but suggests a sustained effort of attention.

zeroing in on something

Implies a precise and accurate targeting, often used in technical contexts.

pinpointing something

Implies locating or identifying something with great accuracy.

identifying something

Focuses on recognizing or pointing out a specific item or aspect.

addressing something

Refers to dealing with or tackling a specific issue or problem.

selecting something

Emphasizes the act of choosing something from a range of options.

highlighting something

Draws attention to a specific aspect or feature.

FAQs

How can I use "targeting something" in a sentence?

Use "targeting something" to indicate focusing on a specific goal or object, as in "The marketing campaign is "targeting something" specific: young adults".

What are some alternatives to "targeting something"?

Alternatives to "targeting something" include "aiming at something", "focusing on something", or "addressing something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "targeting something" or "targeting a specific thing"?

While both are grammatically correct, "targeting a specific thing" is more explicit. "Targeting something" works well when the context already implies specificity.

What does it mean to use "targeting something" in marketing?

In marketing, "targeting something" means directing marketing efforts towards a specific demographic or market segment to increase the effectiveness of the campaign.