On purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was done intentionally or deliberately. Example: "She spilled the drink on purpose to get his attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It misses on purpose.

The Guardian - Books

On purpose, no less.

The New York Times - Sports

"On purpose, though.

The New York Times

On purpose.

Forbes

On purpose by whom?

Vice

On purpose, anyway.

Huffington Post

That was on purpose".

The New Yorker

Bottlenecks on Purpose Q.

The New York Times

It's not on purpose.

The New York Times - Sports

This was on purpose.

The New York Times

Get lost on purpose.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on purpose" to clearly indicate that an action was intentional, leaving no room for interpretation of accidental occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "on purpose" when you mean "with a purpose". "On purpose" means intentionally, while "with a purpose" implies having a goal or objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on purpose" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action was performed intentionally rather than accidentally. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage to express intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "on purpose" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an action was intentional. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "intentionally" or "deliberately" exist, "on purpose" offers a more conversational tone. Be mindful to distinguish it from "with a purpose" to avoid confusion. Mastering its usage will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intentionally

Single word adverb that directly replaces the phrase.

Deliberately

Another single-word adverb that substitutes the phrase.

Purposely

A synonymous adverb, offering a slightly more formal tone.

By design

Emphasizes planning and intention behind an action.

With intent

Highlights the mental state of intending to do something.

Knowingly

Implies awareness and understanding of the action being taken.

Calculatedly

Suggests careful planning and premeditation.

Premeditatedly

Implies a prior decision to carry out the action.

Consciously

Focuses on the awareness of performing the action.

Willfully

Conveys a sense of stubbornness or determination in carrying out the action.

FAQs

How can I use "on purpose" in a sentence?

Use "on purpose" to indicate that an action was done intentionally. For example: "She broke the vase "on purpose" to get attention."

What are some alternatives to saying "on purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "intentionally", "deliberately", or "purposely" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "on purpose" or "deliberately"?

Both "on purpose" and "deliberately" are valid, but "on purpose" is more conversational, while "deliberately" might sound more formal depending on the context.

What's the difference between "on purpose" and "by accident"?

"On purpose" indicates an action was intentional, while "by accident" signifies that an action was unintentional or unplanned.