The use of the words ?to?, ?through? or ?by? often results in the smushing of a goal with an objective in the same sentence. ?Survey all members of X group to determine their priorities? exemplifies this error.

The technique for separating the goal from the objective is to eliminate the preposition. Look at the phrases on either side of the preposition, and determine which of the phrases is the outcome and which is the method. Remember, goal statements are ?what? statements; they specify the result or outcome to be achieved ? not how it will be achieved. In our example, the goal is to "...determine the priorities of X group members"; the survey is the method by which the data will be acquired and is therefore an objective.

Purpose of Eliminating Prepositions:

• To distinguish outcome from method
• To permit a structured hierarchy of outcomes and methods for review

Tip: Sometimes the use of prepositions is NOT problematic. ?Ensure publication X is sent targeted participants? is a good example of when a preposition doesn?t combine a goal with an objective.

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