to optimize for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to optimize for" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing improving or enhancing a specific aspect or outcome in various contexts, such as technology, business, or performance. For example: "We need to optimize for speed in our new software update." Alternative expressions include "to enhance for," "to improve for," and "to prioritize for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

You have to optimize for both.

The New York Times

Moskowitz started again, this time asking the computer to optimize for Segment 2. This time the ratings came in at 82, but now Segment 1 had fallen ten points, to 68. "See what happens?" he said.

The New Yorker

Also had to optimize for load.

TechCrunch

A lot of venture funds try to optimize for returns.

TechCrunch

Developers are looking to optimize for these small screen sizes.

TechCrunch

Thereby we do not need to optimize for this block.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He said officials from H.P., KPMG and Ernst & Young undertook "detailed studies of Autonomy's software revenue recognition with a view to optimizing for U.S. GAAP".

The New York Times

Thus, optimizing for the BEDROC score can result in weights that are applicable for a smaller number of clusters compared to optimizing for the AUC performance.

BioData Mining

But it's hard to simultaneously optimize for both profits and people.

TechCrunch

There's a whole section on how to optimize keywords for search engines, and another on streamlining text for mobile devices.

The New Yorker

Threshold values for Ct calculation were selected by hand to optimize efficiency for all samples.

BMC Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to optimize for", clearly define the specific outcome or goal you are trying to achieve to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to optimize for" without specifying what you're optimizing for; this can lead to ambiguity and a lack of direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to optimize for" serves as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose. It connects an action with its intended outcome, specifying what aspect is being improved or enhanced. Ludwig provides many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to optimize for" is a versatile construction used to describe the act of making adjustments to achieve a desired result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, especially in news, science, and business domains. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you specify what you are optimizing for to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "to prioritize" or "to fine-tune for" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prioritize

Emphasizes ranking items in order of importance to achieve a goal.

to fine-tune for

Suggests making small adjustments to achieve optimal performance.

to tailor to

Highlights adapting something to suit a specific purpose or need.

to adapt for

Focuses on modifying something to make it suitable for a new situation.

to improve for

Emphasizes making something better or more effective for a specific purpose.

to enhance for

Suggests improving the quality or value of something for a particular use.

to maximize for

Focuses on achieving the greatest possible amount or degree of something.

to streamline for

Highlights making something more efficient or simple for a specific outcome.

to configure for

Implies setting up something in a specific way for optimal performance.

to calibrate for

Focuses on precisely adjusting something for accuracy or effectiveness.

FAQs

How do I use "to optimize for" in a sentence?

Use "to optimize for" to indicate the goal or objective you're trying to improve or achieve. For example, "We need to optimize the website "for mobile devices"".

What's a good alternative to "to optimize for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to prioritize", "to fine-tune for", or "to tailor to".

Is it correct to say "optimize for" or should I use "optimize towards"?

"Optimize for" is the more common and accepted phrasing. "Optimize towards" is less frequently used and might sound awkward in some contexts.

What does it mean to "optimize for" a specific outcome?

To "optimize for" a specific outcome means to adjust or configure something in order to achieve the best possible result or performance in relation to that outcome.