a bigger purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bigger purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing motivations or goals that extend beyond personal interests, often in a philosophical or inspirational context. Example: "Many people find fulfillment in their work when they feel they are contributing to a bigger purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I was looking for a bigger purpose".

The New York Times

Everything is being channeled to a bigger purpose".

The New York Times

Jamal Al Sharif, its managing director, said, "Animation has a bigger purpose than just entertainment.

The New York Times

It's very self-interested, rather than being for a bigger purpose or a bigger vision.

The Guardian - Sport

It had to be about a bigger purpose and that was freedom and equality".

The New York Times

Catchy as the tune is, the clip has a bigger purpose.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Next May the GNER control team will join their counterparts at the Northern franchise and Network Rail in a bigger, purpose-built building nearby.

The Guardian - Tech

Asked Thursday about his promise last year, Rodriguez said: "I don't think it serves a big purpose to get into it, but I will say that actions speak louder than words and that Don has a great message.

The New York Times - Sports

Structure is to break a big purpose or problem into smaller problems and units.

Journal of Organization Design

I was just given a purpose, a big purpose in life.

Vice

To then have a birth child that I have to take into adult life, give her her wings, it's a big purpose.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bigger purpose" to inspire and motivate, emphasizing how individual actions contribute to collective goals and positive societal impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a bigger purpose" as a generic platitude. Clearly define the specific objectives and values that constitute the "bigger purpose" you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bigger purpose" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an object of a preposition or a complement. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and is employed to denote motivations beyond personal interest.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

25%

Vice

8.33%

Less common in

The Guardian - Tech

4.17%

Journal of Organization Design

4.17%

Science Magazine

4.17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bigger purpose" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe goals and motivations that extend beyond personal interests. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various sources. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Huffington Post, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Remember to use "a bigger purpose" thoughtfully, defining the specific objectives and values to avoid vague platitudes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater purpose

Similar to "a bigger purpose" but can imply moral or ethical weight.

a wider purpose

Suggests a scope that encompasses more elements or individuals.

a larger purpose

Emphasizes the magnitude and the scale of the objective.

a better purpose

Indicates an improvement over current goals or motivations.

a higher purpose

Implies goals that are morally or spiritually superior.

a grander purpose

Highlights the ambitious and impressive nature of the aim.

a deeper purpose

Suggests a more profound and meaningful motivation.

a nobler cause

Implies a moral and honorable intention.

a more meaningful goal

Focuses on the significance and impact of the objective.

a transformative aim

Highlights the objective's potential to cause significant change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bigger purpose" to describe motivations or goals that extend beyond personal interests. For example, "Many find fulfillment contributing to "a bigger purpose"."

What's the difference between "a bigger purpose" and "a greater cause"?

While both imply goals beyond oneself, "a bigger purpose" focuses on the overall aim, while "a greater cause" often suggests a moral or ethical dimension.

What can I say instead of "a bigger purpose"?

Alternatives include "a wider purpose", "a larger purpose", or "a higher purpose", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a bigger purpose" in formal writing?

Yes, "a bigger purpose" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing organizational missions, ethical considerations, or strategic goals.