set a goal — decide on an aim
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to decide what you want to achieve and make it your target.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is advisable to establish a clearly defined objective.
Native It helps to set yourself a goal.
Natives 'set a goal'; 'establish an objective' is corporate-speak.
Pattern: set a/the goal (of) + -ing/noun
In use
- It's important to set a goal if you want to stay motivated.daily life
- In my opinion, setting a goal helps people stay focused and work harder, especially when preparing for exams.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I made a goal to save money.
✓ I set a goal to save money.
You SET a goal; 'make a goal' sounds like scoring in football.
Common collocations
set a goal— set, achieve, realistic, clear
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'reach a goal,' which means to achieve it.