targets to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "targets to be" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express goals or objectives that are intended to be achieved, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "The company has set several targets to be met by the end of the fiscal year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An annex sets out the different consumption targets to be achieved by the Member States.

Columbia University

Design methods then allow the targets to be achieved in practice.

Chemical Engineering Science

The issues are targets to be demolished, skeet in the way of Mr. Lo's shotgun.

The New York Times

America, Opec states and Japan had opposed European calls for targets to be met.

The Guardian

The military command began setting high quotas for targets to be eliminated or neutralized.

The New Yorker

Could it be the new law is to enable certain targets to be met?

The Guardian

were often labeled by the A.N.C. as collaborators and regarded as legitimate targets to be killed.

The New York Times

In 2012, the airline set 20 SD targets to be achieved by 2020.

Harvard Business Review

It is not uncommon for safety targets to be overstated due to ill-informed targeting methods.

Reliability, Maintainability and Risk Practical Methods for Engineers

Top footballers are easy targets to be held responsible for the ills of the world.

Independent

The government has faced calls for diversity targets to be included in the white paper on the BBC's new charter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and grammatical precision, consider replacing "targets to be" with alternatives like "targets to achieve" or "goals to be reached". This enhances readability and eliminates ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "targets to be" repeatedly in your writing. Over-reliance on passive constructions can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Instead, opt for active voice constructions whenever possible, such as "achieve the targets."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "targets to be" functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often indicating a future action or a planned outcome. It generally modifies a noun, specifying what is intended for those "targets". As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "targets to be" is frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable, suggesting that clearer and more precise alternatives should be considered. Although it appears often, the phrase can be improved by using options like "targets to achieve" or "goals to be reached". While very common, it's use is not ideal. While authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times and Forbes use the query, opting for grammatically stronger alternatives enhances clarity and precision in writing. In short, consider substituting "targets to be" with more grammatically correct options to improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Targets to achieve

This alternative replaces the passive voice with an active one, focusing on the action of achieving the targets.

Goals to be reached

Uses "goals" instead of "targets" and "reached" instead of the more generic "be", offering a slightly different nuance.

Objectives to be attained

Replaces "targets" with "objectives" and "achieved" with "attained", adding a layer of formality.

Aims to be fulfilled

Substitutes "targets" with "aims" and "achieved" with "fulfilled", which implies a sense of completion or satisfaction.

Targets for achievement

This version rephrases the sentence structure to focus on achievement as a concept.

Targets intended to be met

Adds "intended", emphasizing the plan or intention behind setting the targets.

Targets that must be achieved

Emphasizes the necessity of achieving the targets.

Agreed upon targets

Indicates that the targets have been mutually decided.

Predefined targets

Highlights that the targets were set in advance.

Expected targets

Implies that the targets are anticipated or predicted.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "targets to be" that sound more grammatically correct?

More grammatically sound alternatives include phrases such as "targets to achieve", "goals to reach", or "objectives to attain".

How can I use "targets to be" correctly in a sentence?

While grammatically questionable, you'll see the phrase commonly used. Consider revising sentences to use active voice or more precise phrasing. For example, instead of "The targets to be met are ambitious", try "We aim to meet ambitious targets to achieve".

Is "targets to be" formal or informal language?

While fairly common, "targets to be" tends to be less formal due to its grammatical ambiguity. In formal contexts, it is better to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "objectives to be attained" or "goals to be reached".

What is the difference between "targets to be achieved" and "targets to be"?

"Targets to be achieved" is grammatically sound because it includes the past participle "achieved", clarifying the action. "Targets to be", on its own, is incomplete and less clear. Therefore, it is better to specify the action, such as "targets to be met".