to target

USAGE SUMMARY

"to target" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are indicating that someone or something is the intended focus or recipient of an action. Example: We must carefully design our marketing materials to target our younger demographic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We want to target it".

The New York Times

To target women.

The New York Times

But did they have to target him?

The New York Times

He was on his way to Target.

The New York Times

"They are easy to target.

The Guardian - Business

It's not next to Target.

The New York Times

"Not to target civilians, not to target U.N. people, not to target medical staff.

The New York Times

That is plenty of dollars to target.

The New York Times - Sports

"We want to target the worldwide consumer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then it spread to target client markets.

The Guardian - Opinion

So to target them is just wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject performing the targeting action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "efforts to target", specify "marketing efforts to target young adults".

Common error

Avoid using "to target" with overly broad or undefined subjects. Ensure that the entity doing the targeting and the intended target are both clearly specified. For instance, instead of saying "plans to target", clarify "the company plans to target international markets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to target" primarily functions as an infinitive, often acting as an adverbial of purpose, explaining the reason for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable part of English sentences. The provided examples in Ludwig showcase its role in expressing the intention behind various activities, such as marketing campaigns and strategic planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to target" is a very common phrase functioning as an infinitive, primarily expressing the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely accepted construction. Its usage spans various contexts, most frequently appearing in News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure both the subject performing the targeting and the intended target are well-defined. Alternatives include "to aim at" and "to focus on", which offer similar meanings with subtle contextual differences. Ultimately, mastering the use of "to target" enhances the precision and effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to aim at

This alternative emphasizes the act of directing something towards a specific point or goal, similar to focusing efforts.

to focus on

This alternative highlights concentrating attention or resources on a particular subject or objective.

to direct towards

This option stresses the guidance or channeling of efforts towards a specific end.

to gear towards

Implies adapting or preparing something to be suitable for a specific purpose or audience.

to design for

Focuses on the planning and creation of something with a specific intention or user in mind.

to intend for

This phrase highlights the purpose or plan behind an action or creation.

to tailor to

Emphasizes customizing or adapting something to meet specific needs or preferences.

to pinpoint

Focuses on identifying with precision the subject that needs to be targeted.

to home in on

This alternative highlights the act of moving steadily toward a particular target or objective.

to set sights on

Implies having a specific goal or ambition that one is determined to achieve.

FAQs

How can I use "to target" in a sentence?

The phrase "to target" indicates an aim or objective. For example, "The campaign aims "to target" younger voters."

What are some alternatives to "to target"?

You can use alternatives such as "to aim at", "to focus on", or "to direct towards" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "to target" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it can be grammatically correct, especially when used as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. Example: "To target a wider audience, the company launched a new marketing campaign."

What's the difference between "to target" and "targeting"?

"To target" is an infinitive form of the verb, often used to express intention or purpose. "Targeting" is the gerund or present participle form, used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, "The goal is "to target" specific demographics" vs. "Targeting the right audience is crucial for success."