a common purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared goal or objective among a group of people or entities. Example: "The team worked tirelessly together, united by a common purpose to achieve their project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a common purpose".

The New York Times

"We had a common purpose.

The New York Times

But we both carry a common purpose.

The New York Times

So much for a common purpose in a national institution.

The Guardian - Arts

When there's a common purpose, people tend to work together... Things go wrong... " And now? "There is a common purpose.

The Guardian

Musicians in an orchestra work together for a common purpose.

Independent

"Schools forging partnerships should have a common purpose in what they are doing.

The Guardian

This was his core idea of politics: great speeches, historic figures, a common purpose.

The New Yorker

Betty Friedan spoke, calling "all of us -- women, blacks, gays" -- to a common purpose.

The New Yorker

A good government has to be underpinned by a common purpose.

The Guardian

We need a president who will unite us around a common purpose, not a common enemy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about teamwork or collaboration, using the phrase "a common purpose" can effectively convey the sense of unity and shared goals. For instance: "The team's success was driven by a common purpose."

Common error

Avoid using "a common purpose" when you actually mean a shared method or strategy. "A common purpose" refers to the ultimate goal, not the steps taken to achieve it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common purpose" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a shared objective or aim that unites a group of individuals or entities, which aligns with Ludwig AI's observation of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common purpose" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a shared goal or objective, often implying unity and collaboration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and versatile for use in various writing contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business writing. When using "a common purpose", ensure it accurately reflects a shared objective rather than merely a shared method. Alternative phrases like "a shared objective" or "a mutual goal" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared objective

Focuses on the specific target or outcome that is jointly pursued.

a mutual goal

Highlights the reciprocity and agreement in the aim.

a collective aim

Emphasizes the group effort and combined intention.

a unified goal

Stresses the single, cohesive nature of the objective.

a common cause

Implies a shared belief or principle that motivates collective action.

a united front

Implies solidarity and coordinated action against a challenge.

a collaborative endeavor

Highlights the joint effort and cooperation involved.

a joint mission

Suggests a specific task or assignment undertaken together.

a shared vision

Highlights the future state or outcome that is jointly desired.

a converging objective

Emphasizes how individual goals align and come together.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common purpose" to describe a shared objective that unites a group, such as: "Despite their differences, they were united by "a common purpose"."

What are some alternatives to "a common purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared goal", "a mutual objective", or "a collective aim" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "common goal" or "a common purpose"?

"Common goal" and "a common purpose" are often interchangeable, but "a common purpose" can imply a deeper, more meaningful reason for working together beyond just achieving a specific task. It suggests shared values or beliefs driving the collaboration.

What does it mean to be "united by a common purpose"?

To be "united by a common purpose" means that a group of individuals or entities are brought together and motivated by the same aim, objective, or cause. This shared purpose helps to align their actions and efforts, as each member works toward fulfilling that joint goal.