a definite purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a clear and specific goal or intention that someone has in mind. Example: "To achieve success in life, one must have a definite purpose that guides their actions and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This is done with a definite purpose.

The Economist

The salesclerk asks, "Can I help you?", a question that assumes you came in with a definite purpose.

The New York Times

Barr's anarchic sensibilities probably bear little resemblance to Geoffrin – writer Julie Burchill has described him as "the ringmaster for the Jerry Springer generation" – but he said the evenings have a definite purpose.

The Guardian - Books

Since this god was closely associated with Varuna in India and with Varuna's likely substitute in Iran, Zarathustra can hardly have ignored one-half of this divine pair without a definite purpose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'If you don't have a definite purpose, whether it's buying or selling movies or writing about them, you'll be one of the people who come back and says, "God it's a terrible place, it's so vulgar and snobby and French".' But this year will be rather different for Woolley who is unveiling his directorial debut, Stoned, about the last days of Rolling Stone Brian Jones.

The Guardian - Film

Pastor Owen Crane said that the use of rock-style music there has a definite purpose, although the words used praise God.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Machen became one of the founders of psycho geography - the practice of exploring the human environment, especially in cities, without any definite purpose or preconception of what you may find.

BBC

This will make you get up earlier in the morning and work late at night, as you have clarity and a major definite purpose to go for your vision.

Huffington Post

But more and more, it reeks – like everything else the Labour Right has been doing in recent months – of an incoherent scorched earth policy, whose only definite purpose is to leave a trail of destruction and bitterness.

Vice

Hume assumes that every product of human labor has some definite purpose, with only a limited subset of art being produced for the sake of pleasure alone.

SEP

The former is about everyday conversation and so on, and that has a definite social purpose.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definite purpose", ensure the context clearly indicates what that purpose is. Ambiguity can weaken the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite purpose" without specifying what that purpose entails. The phrase loses its strength if the purpose remains unclear to the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite purpose" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'with a definite purpose') or as a complement describing a state of being or action. As suggested by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite purpose" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a clear and specific goal or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it appears consistently across diverse sources such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki. This phrase is best used when you want to emphasize intentionality and focus, ensuring the context makes the purpose clear to the audience. Alternatives include "a clear objective" or "a specific aim", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear objective

Replaces 'purpose' with 'objective', emphasizing a specific goal.

a specific aim

Substitutes 'purpose' with 'aim', highlighting the direction of effort.

a set goal

Simple substitution with the same meaning.

a clear intention

Simple substitution with the same meaning.

a determined goal

Emphasizes the commitment and resolve associated with the purpose.

a well-defined intention

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the intended outcome.

a decided intention

Simple substitution with the same meaning.

a fixed purpose

Simple substitution with the same meaning.

a concrete plan

Highlights the practicality and feasibility of the purpose.

a firm goal

Highlights the commitment and resolve associated with the purpose.

FAQs

What does "a definite purpose" mean?

The phrase "a definite purpose" refers to having a clear, specific, and well-defined goal or intention. It suggests that actions are guided by a clear objective.

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

You can use "a definite purpose" to describe someone's motivation or the reason behind an action. For example: "She approached the project with "a definite purpose"."

What are some alternatives to "a definite purpose"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a clear objective", "a specific aim", or "a well-defined intention", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a definite purpose" or "a clear purpose"?

Both "a definite purpose" and "a clear purpose" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Definite" emphasizes specificity, while "clear" emphasizes understandability. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.