targets on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "targets on" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a focus or aim towards specific targets, but it lacks proper grammatical structure. Example: "The team has set its targets on achieving higher sales this quarter."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You can't bomb targets on one side of a civil war without helping the other side.

The New Yorker

That was one of the targets on Nov. 15.

The New York Times

Record your improvements - stick achieved targets on the fridge, along with the next one.

The Guardian

Others had painted targets on their backs.

The Guardian - Sport

It claimed to have bombed 200 targets on Dec. 16.

The New York Times

The report calls for national targets on life expectancy.

The Guardian

So why do firms keep outlandish targets on stocks?

The New York Times

A chance for tough targets on widening access, missing.

The Guardian

The four Republican apostates now had targets on their backs.

The New York Times - Magazine

We will have targets on our backs now.

The New York Times

It undermines the credibility of targets on things we should be held to account for".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to something being physically marked as a target, verify whether the context is metaphorical or literal to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "targets on" when intending to express goals or objectives. This phrase can sound awkward or grammatically incorrect. Instead, clarify your meaning using more appropriate prepositions like "targets for" or verbs like "focus on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "targets on" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns by indicating a direction or focus. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase's grammatical structure can be questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "targets on" is frequently used, particularly in news and media, its grammatical correctness is questionable. Ludwig AI suggests it might not be grammatically correct. It serves to indicate focus or objectives, but alternatives such as "targets for" or "focus on" provide better clarity and grammatical accuracy. When writing formally, it's advisable to use these alternatives to ensure your message is clear and grammatically sound. The phrase appears less frequently in formal academic or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objectives for

Focuses on the specific goals intended to be achieved.

goals for

Similar to objectives, but can encompass broader aspirations.

focus areas for

Highlights specific domains or subjects that need more attention.

aims of

Refers to the general intentions or purposes behind an action or plan.

strategic objectives of

Indicates the high-level goals intended to ensure long-term success.

key priorities for

Highlights the most important tasks or goals that need to be achieved.

areas of focus for

Identifies particular subjects or activities that need concentration.

intentions regarding

Emphasizes the planned actions or aims regarding a particular matter.

purpose of

Clarifies the reason or intended outcome of something.

direction of

Indicates the path or trend something is following, particularly in a strategic sense.

FAQs

How can I use "targets on" in a sentence correctly?

While "targets on" is often used, it's grammatically questionable. Consider using phrases like "targets for" or "focus on" for better clarity and correctness.

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "targets on"?

Alternatives like "targets for" or "focus on" are generally preferred in formal writing.

Is "targets on" considered formal or informal language?

"Targets on" tends to appear in news media, which strives for a neutral tone, but its grammatical ambiguity makes it less suitable for formal contexts.

When might "targets on" be appropriate, and when should I avoid it?

While somewhat common, avoid "targets on" in formal contexts and when clarity is essential. Use it cautiously in informal settings, recognizing it may not be grammatically correct.