2025-05-20 Verbs to use with ‘goal’ – English In A Minute

Introduction

A goal is something you want to achieve. In this programme, you’ll learn verbs that are commonly used with the verb ‘goal’, using the example of Lucia, who wants to reach the goal of an advanced level of English.

Common collocations with ‘goal’

set a goal
establish a goal
If you set or establish a goal, you choose a goal and decide when you want to achieve it.

• This year, I’ve set a goal of running 800 kilometres throughout the year.
• Now that we’ve established the business goals for next year, we can start planning.

pursue a goal
work towards a goal
If you pursue or work towards a goal, you take action and try really hard to achieve it.

• Marcus quit his job to pursue his goal of building a jewellery business.
• Lucia studies every evening to work towards her goal of passing the English exam.

achieve a goal
attain a goal
reach a goal
If you achieve, attain or reach a goal, you are successful in completing the goal.

• All I want is to achieve my goal of getting a university degree.
• After working hard all year, Lucia reached her goal of passing the advanced-level English exam.

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TRANSCRIPT

Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.

Georgie
If you want to reach your goals for learning English, you should watch this video!
 
First, you should set a goal or establish a goal. That means you choose what you want to achieve and decide when you want to achieve it.
 
Lucia set a goal of passing the exam for advanced English by next January.
 
Once the goal is set, you can pursue a goal, or work towards the goal – you take action and try really hard to achieve it.
 
Lucia studies every evening to work towards her goal of passing the English exam.
 
Marcus quit his job to pursue his goal of building a jewellery business.
 
If you work hard, you can achieve a goal, attain a goal, or reach a goal. This means you are successful in completing the goal.
 
After working hard all year, Lucia reached her goal of passing the advanced-level English exam.
 
Well done Lucia! You can achieve that goal too if you stay with us at BBC Learning English.