Clear purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Clear purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing objectives or goals that are well-defined and easily understood. Example: "In order to achieve success, it is essential to have clear purposes that guide our actions and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

With clear purposes in mind -- pushing O'Neal away from the basket, keeping Kobe Bryant away from the rim -- Portland reloaded in the middle.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Cranston presidency," he said in a campaign commercial, "will have two clear purposes -- ending the arms race and full employment -- because that's how you beat Ronald Reagan even if you're bald".

The New York Times

But it makes an important difference to the integrity of the university whether the enhancement of his reputation is an unavoidable side-effect of his giving or one of the clear purposes of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

In writing about why U.S. trade policy to date has largely failed, Clyde Prestowitz ("The Pacific Pivot", The American Prospect, 2 April 2012) says that all the trade deals to date -- and now TPP -- have served two clear purposes.

Huffington Post

Pantomimes represent specific actions using manual and facial gestures and involve clear purposes in communicative contexts.

Animal Cognition

Five clear purposes were identified (see Table  3): seeking and giving advice, networking, requesting and sharing material resources, defining the role of occupational therapists, and student learning.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It doesn't have a clear purpose".

The New York Times - Arts

These elaborate atmospherics serve a clear purpose.

The New York Times

The clear purpose of the guidelines?

The New York Times

Mr. Kerry's martial rhetoric has a clear purpose.

The New York Times

All this whimsy has a clear purpose, Ms. Reidelbach said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a project or strategy, begin by defining your "clear purposes". This ensures everyone involved understands the objectives and can work towards them effectively.

Common error

Avoid stating purposes in broad, general terms. Ensure your purposes are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to provide effective direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Clear purposes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'clear' modifies 'purposes'. It denotes well-defined objectives or intentions. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively used in various contexts. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its usage in diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Clear purposes" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe well-defined goals or intentions. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in various writing scenarios. When using this phrase, ensure your purposes are specific and measurable to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "defined objectives" or "specific goals" for different nuances. The phrase is suitable for neutral and professional registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defined objectives

Focuses on the objectives being well-defined and specific.

Specific goals

Emphasizes the goals are concrete and measurable.

Well-defined aims

Highlights the aims are clearly articulated and understood.

Distinct objectives

Stresses the clarity and separateness of each objective.

Precise intentions

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the intentions.

Unambiguous goals

Highlights the goals are easily understood.

Explicit aims

Stresses aims are stated directly and openly.

Focused intentions

Focuses on the intentions being concentrated and purposeful.

Lucid objectives

Emphasizes the clarity and easy understanding of the objectives.

Determined goals

Highlights goals are defined with resolve and purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "Clear purposes" in a sentence?

You can use "Clear purposes" to describe well-defined objectives or goals. For example: "The project was successful because it had "clear purposes" from the start."

What are some alternatives to "Clear purposes"?

Alternatives include "defined objectives", "specific goals", or "well-defined aims" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "Clear purposes" or "Clearly defined purposes"?

"Clear purposes" is concise and effective. "Clearly defined purposes" adds emphasis on the definition process but can sometimes be redundant. Both are grammatically correct but the usage depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How do "Clear purposes" differ from "Ambiguous purposes"?

"Clear purposes" means the objectives are well-defined and easily understood. "Ambiguous purposes", on the other hand, indicate that the objectives are unclear, vague, and open to multiple interpretations. Having "clear purposes" is generally preferable for effective communication and execution.