a great purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a significant or meaningful goal or intention behind an action or project. Example: "The organization was founded with a great purpose: to improve the lives of underprivileged children around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"The building has served a great purpose," he said.

The New York Times

"There are some places where these stores serve a great purpose," Mr. Kaiman said.

The New York Times

"That served a great purpose, but we felt we had perhaps lost some of our creative freedom.

The Guardian

Mr. Page, in calling Muslims the "new 'Negroes,' " also felt the Cosby characters served a great purpose in showing "the American Dream is not for whites only".

The New York Times - Arts

Although sceptical about finding a great purpose in life, Skidelsky has found one: there is beauty, perfection, challenge and inspiration in the Swiss tennis genius's game.

The Guardian

Pearson has a great purpose at its heart - to help more people progress in their lives through learning," said Taurel, who ran Eli Lilly from 1998 to 2008.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Those ambitions serve a greater purpose.

The New York Times

"I thought that it could serve a greater purpose.

The Guardian - Film

This particular 3-yard rush, however, served a greater purpose.

The New York Times

This is why I think VR porn may serve a greater purpose.

The Guardian - Tech

There is, though, a greater purpose to it than eulogising his father and grandfather.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a great purpose", ensure it aligns with the context. This phrase is often more impactful when describing endeavors that are not only ambitious but also contribute positively to a broader community or cause.

Common error

While "a great purpose" effectively conveys significance, overuse in everyday conversation can dilute its impact. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where you genuinely intend to emphasize the profound importance of a goal or action. In more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "a good reason" or "a clear objective" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great purpose" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the importance or significance behind an action, endeavor, or existence. Ludwig AI suggests it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that emphasizes the importance and meaning behind an action or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. When using "a great purpose", it is crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the phrase's inherent weight and significance. For more casual settings, alternatives such as "a good reason" may be more appropriate. The phrase's communicative purpose is to inspire, motivate, and highlight the value of a mission, often associating it with positive outcomes and significant contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant objective

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the goal.

a meaningful aim

Highlights the value and personal relevance of the goal.

a noble cause

Suggests a morally good and altruistic intention.

a lofty ambition

Indicates a high-reaching and aspirational goal.

a worthwhile endeavor

Focuses on the value and benefit of the undertaking.

a compelling vision

Stresses the inspirational and persuasive nature of the goal.

a profound intention

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the underlying plan.

a central motive

Points to the core reason or driving force behind an action.

a primary objective

Highlights the main goal to be achieved.

a key motivation

Focuses on the main reason that drives someone to act.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great purpose" to describe the driving force behind an action or endeavor. For example, "The volunteer program served "a great purpose" in the community".

What are some alternatives to "a great purpose"?

Alternatives include "a significant objective", "a meaningful aim", or "a noble cause" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a great purpose" or "a greater purpose"?

"A great purpose" generally describes something with significant meaning or impact. "A greater purpose" implies something that is more important or has a larger scope than something else. The choice depends on the specific context and comparison you're making.

Can "a great purpose" be used in both formal and informal settings?

While "a great purpose" is appropriate in formal settings to highlight significant goals, it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "a good reason" or "a clear goal".