targets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "targets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific goals or objectives that one aims to achieve. Example: "The marketing team has set ambitious targets for the upcoming quarter to increase sales and brand awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outstanding issues include pensions, labour market reform, VAT rates and Greece's budget targets.

The Guardian - Business

With more than 70% of the poor now living, or expected to live in middle-income countries, these regions would be likely targets for investment.

The Guardian

Shell said pay for Van Beurden "reflects delivery of company strategy, measured by both short-term and long-term targets".

The Guardian

A Labour government would push for even tougher climate change targets to stop the world's temperature warming to a dangerous level, Caroline Flint has told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Yemen says it has foiled an al-Qaida plot to blow up oil pipelines and seize some of the country's main ports, but security remains tight and hundreds of armoured vehicles have been deployed to protect key targets.

The Guardian

In Iraq, that meant one of two targets – a seat of Shia power or, even better, a defining religious symbol.

The Guardian

Despite having only 100 activists they also said that targets in England remained a high priority.

The Guardian

Banks and bankers are now potential targets for the Real IRA, leaders of the dissident republican terror group have warned in an exclusive interview with the Guardian.

The Guardian

The terror group stressed in a series of written answers to the Guardian's questions that future attacks would alternate between the "military, political and economic targets".

The Guardian

He not only had a lot of the right targets and policies for creating a sustainable London, he was also starting to green the way that money was spent by the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London and the London Development Agency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last month a UN environment programme report named Australia alongside Canada, the US and Mexico as the only countries that were likely to miss their current 2020 targets to cut emissions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting "targets", ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to facilitate effective planning and monitoring.

Common error

Avoid setting overly broad or undefined "targets" that lack clear metrics for success, as this can lead to confusion and difficulty in tracking progress.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "targets" is to serve as a noun, representing specific objectives or goals that are aimed for. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where "targets" functions as a noun, both in singular and plural forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "targets" is a commonly used noun that refers to specific goals or objectives. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. The phrase is grammatically correct and functions primarily to define desired outcomes. While suitable alternatives exist, such as "goals" or "objectives", "targets" often implies a higher level of specificity. When using "targets", it is essential to ensure they are well-defined and measurable for effective tracking and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objectives

Refers to specific results that a person or system aims to achieve.

goals

General aims or desired outcomes; less specific than "targets".

aims

Purposes or intentions; similar to "goals" but can also refer to directing something.

object

The end toward which effort or action is directed.

purposes

The reason for which something is done or created.

intentions

Things that someone intends to do.

desired outcomes

The results that are hoped for or expected.

key priorities

Highlights the most important goals to focus on.

strategic imperatives

Critical objectives that must be achieved for strategic success.

focal points

Main points or areas of attention or activity.

FAQs

How do I use "targets" in a sentence?

Use "targets" to refer to specific goals or objectives. For example, "The company set ambitious sales targets for the quarter."

What are some alternatives to the word "targets"?

Alternatives include "objectives", "goals", and "aims", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "targets" or "goals"?

"Targets" are often more specific and measurable than "goals". The best choice depends on the level of detail needed. "Goals" are broader, while "targets" imply a precise outcome.

What is the difference between "targets" and "quotas"?

"Targets" are general objectives to be achieved, whereas "quotas" are specific, often mandatory, amounts or numbers that must be met.