How to Talk about Goals in English

How to Talk about Goals in English

Hello, English learners. Have you set any goals yet? What is the best way to achieve your goals? Today, we’re going to learn how to talk about goals in English, so keep reading. 

The new vocabulary includes the following words and phrases:

1. Set a goal
2. Achieve a goal
3. Aim
4. Target
5. Mission
6. Set out to do something
7. Go the extra mile
8. Reach / aim for the stars
9. Make something your number one priority
10. Put your best foot forward

How to talk about goals in English

Set a goal

If you set a goal, you decide what you want to achieve over the next period of time. Goals can be short-term or long-term; they may have to do with your private life or your career. 

• Experts say it is good to set goals because they keep you on your path and help you be aware of your progress.
• Setting goals can be challenging, but it is always motivating.
• Teachers in our school will assist you with setting your goals and reviewing your progress regularly.

Achieve a goal

If you managed to achieve your goal, you’ve accomplished it successfully. 

• This video will help you achieve your weight loss goal.
• Our company has made significant progress toward achieving its goal of sustainable development.
• Whether you’re pursuing a degree or a good job, our agency can help you achieve your goal.

How to talk about goals in English

 

Aim

The aim can be a noun or a verb. It is synonymous with the word goal, and it refers to the intention of achieving something.

• The primary aim of our campaign is to reduce unemployment.
• Brian is extremely ambitious; he has always aimed high. 
• The government aims to address poverty by implementing actions guided by the new economic and social programmes.
• This year, the company is aiming for a fair share of the market.

Target

The target represents a result you’re trying to achieve.

• It may take quite some time for you to reach your target weight, but if you’re disciplined, you’ll get there.
• Better English is an eternal target for English students.
• We failed to meet the target of a 5% energy savings, although we were very close to it.

How to talk about goals in English

Mission

A mission is an assignment or a set of tasks which fulfils a purpose.

• Tom embarked on a mission to help those who suffered from famine and poverty.
• The mission of our school is to help you improve your English.
• The film tells the story of a man’s mission to bring peace to a war-torn area.

Set out to do something

To set out to do something means to start working on your goal.

• The new government set out to reshape the educational system.
• The charity set out to raise £500,000 for the area hit by a flood.
•  Following the teacher’s instructions, Freddy set out to prepare a presentation about extinct animals.

How to talk about goals in English

Go the extra mile

If you go the extra mile, then you are ready and willing to invest a great deal in something to reach your goal.

• The staff in the hotel is always ready to go the extra mile for their guests. They are very motivated and professional.
• Employees who are willing to go the extra mile will have opportunities to grow within our company.
• Students appreciate a teacher who is willing to go the extra mile for them.

Reach/aim for the stars

To reach for the stars means setting your goals very high and being ambitious.

• Sara decided to reach for the stars and apply for a job at Google.
• Now, when you’ve graduated, it’s time for you to aim for the stars and get a good job.
• When chasing your dreams, you’ll have to overcome many obstacles, but stay true to your path and always strive to reach for the stars.

How to talk about goals in English

Make something your number one priority

If you make something your number one priority, you work on it more than any other thing in your life or career.

• Daniel decided to make his career his number one priority.
• After the accident, the health and safety of her children were Fiona’s number one priority.
• Since the country was in debt, the new president made improving the country’s budget his top priority.

Put your best foot forward

To put your best foot forward means to begin something willingly and with determination.

• You have to put your best foot forward if you want to graduate this summer.
• The only way to get promoted to a manager’s position is to put your best foot forward and do your job to the best of your abilities.
• What you need to do is to put your best foot forward and strongly believe in your competence and ability to accomplish the goal.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!