a firm purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a strong intention or determination to achieve a specific goal or objective. Example: "She approached her studies with a firm purpose, determined to excel in her exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The resolve that we bishops bring to the work before us is nourished by a firm purpose of amendment.

The New York Times

"It's an inspiration to see someone who worked so long and so hard and with such a firm purpose, for so little reward".

The Guardian

Ishida R, Okada M. Effects of a firm purpose in life on anxiety and sympathetic nervous activity caused by emotional stress: assessment by psycho‐physiological method.

Nature

If the Blessed Oprah is to be Armstrong's confessor, she will have to be convinced that he is sorry for what he has done, and that he has made "a firm purpose of amendment" to virtue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mark argues that this is missing the point and the Catholics must take a "firm purpose of amendment", that there must be genuine contrition and not an empty promise of regret, the heart requires a kind of broken-ness to remake ourselves.

BBC

Determination is about having a firm purpose in mind, being certain that you will achieve what you set out to do and treating failure as an opportunity to learn rather than as a reason to give up.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Roman Catholic Church claims that the absolution of the priest is an act of forgiveness; to receive it, the penitent must confess all serious (mortal) sins and manifest genuine "contrition," or sorrow for sins, and a reasonably firm purpose to make amends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The key question leaders need to ask themselves is this: Would you rather do business with a firm whose purpose is to annihilate their competition?

Forbes

He set foot in Scotland with no firm purpose – he went as the companion to a young fellow painter who wanted to paint Sir Walter Scott's portrait – but fell in love with the landscape.

The Guardian - Opinion

Likely to forfeit global leadership, undermine world markets and cede to others the mantle of stability and firm purpose.

The Washington Post

Passing scores earn them college credits," explained Christopher Lee, founder of consulting firm Purpose Redeemed.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm purpose" to convey a sense of strong determination and clarity of intent. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when emphasizing commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm purpose" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "a clear goal" or "a strong intention" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm purpose" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific intention or goal that is characterized by resoluteness. As stated by Ludwig AI, it indicates a strong intention or determination to achieve a goal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm purpose" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys a strong sense of intention and determination. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for expressing a clear objective and resoluteness in achieving it. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and even some academic writing.

When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and audience. It is a more formal expression and should be used with discretion in casual settings. Alternatives like "a resolute intention" or "a determined objective" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The key takeaway is to use "a firm purpose" when you want to emphasize the unwavering and intentional nature of a goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resolute intention

Replaces "firm purpose" with synonyms emphasizing determination and intent.

a determined objective

Substitutes "firm" with "determined" and "purpose" with "objective", highlighting resolve and a specific goal.

a strong resolve

Focuses on the strength of will, replacing both "firm" and "purpose" with synonyms that convey the same intensity.

a steadfast aim

Emphasizes unwavering focus by using "steadfast" and "aim" as alternatives.

a clear goal

Simplifies the phrase by focusing on clarity of objective.

a definite plan

Highlights the planned nature of the purpose, implying a structured approach.

an unwavering commitment

Shifts the focus to dedication and commitment, suggesting a strong and consistent dedication.

a decided resolution

Emphasizes the decisiveness behind the purpose, showcasing a firm decision.

a focused intent

Highlights the concentration of intention, suggesting a directed and clear aim.

a set course

Implies a predetermined path or direction, akin to having a firm goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a firm purpose" to describe someone's strong intention or determination to achieve a specific goal. For example: "She approached her studies with "a firm purpose", determined to excel in her exams."

What are some alternatives to "a firm purpose"?

Some alternatives to "a firm purpose" include "a resolute intention", "a determined objective", or "a strong resolve", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a firm purpose" formal or informal?

"A firm purpose" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "a clear goal" or "a strong intention".

What's the difference between "a firm purpose" and "a strong desire"?

"A firm purpose" implies a clear and determined objective, while "a strong desire" suggests a powerful feeling or longing. While related, "a firm purpose" is more about intent and action, whereas "a strong desire" focuses on emotion.