Not without purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not without purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or event has a specific intention or reason behind it. Example: "Her decision to move to a new city was not without purpose; she sought new opportunities for growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This habit is not without purpose or cumulative effect.

The New Yorker

But though no longer in service as a shrine it is not without purpose.

The Guardian

As the calls came in, the police said, it emerged that the cart's driving pattern may have been reckless, but it was not without purpose.

The New York Times

That's all true but not without purpose.

Huffington Post

The sinful editorial mistake is not without purpose, however.

HuffPost

But Powell and Brewer's aerial performance was not without purpose.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But, that doesn't mean his candidacy isn't without purpose.

The Washington Post

"He's got an edge, but it wasn't without purpose".

The New York Times

His jet packing wasn't without purpose, however.

Huffington Post

The Budapest exhibition is not entirely without purpose from Hungary's perspective.

The Guardian - Arts

There are still people out there who are surprised that it "only" made $2b worldwide, which means my periodic "Manage your expectations!" posts back in October and November were not entirely without purpose.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Not without purpose", ensure the context provides a clear connection to the implied purpose, allowing the reader to infer or understand the reason being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "Not without purpose" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Its somewhat formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not without purpose" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the presence of intention or reason. As demonstrated in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to imply that an action or event has a specific, though perhaps not obvious, cause or aim.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Not without purpose" is a phrase used to convey that an action or event is intentional and has a specific reason behind it. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound. It is commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and wiki contexts. The phrase serves to highlight that there is a deliberate cause or aim even if it's not immediately obvious. When using "Not without purpose", ensure that the context provides a clear link to the implied purpose and consider the formality of the setting. Alternatives such as "with a specific intention" or "for a definite reason" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With a specific intention

Emphasizes the presence of a particular intention guiding the action.

For a definite reason

Highlights the existence of a clear and defined reason behind the action.

Not devoid of intent

Formally states that the action includes some level of intention.

Having a rationale

Focuses on the logical basis or justification for the action.

With a clear objective

Indicates that the action is driven by a well-defined objective.

Not aimless

Directly states the action is not without a direction or goal.

Purposefully

Adverb indicating the action is done with a specific purpose.

With a motive

Highlights that the action is driven by a particular motive or underlying reason.

Designed for a reason

Specifically indicates that something was created or planned with a purpose in mind.

Guided by intention

Suggests the action is being actively directed by a planned intent.

FAQs

How can I use "Not without purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "Not without purpose" to imply that an action or event has a specific, perhaps hidden, intention or reason. For instance, "His sudden departure was "not without purpose"; he had a secret meeting scheduled."

What are some alternatives to "Not without purpose"?

Some alternatives include "with a specific intention", "for a definite reason", or "purposefully". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not without purpose" or "with purpose"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "With purpose" is more direct and straightforward. "Not without purpose" implies a purpose that may not be immediately apparent or is perhaps surprising. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What does "not without purpose" imply about the action or event?

"Not without purpose" suggests that there's a reason or intention behind the action, even if it's not immediately obvious. It invites the listener or reader to consider the underlying motivation or goal.