a greater purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater purpose" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a deeper or more significant reason or goal behind someone's actions or the overall meaning of a situation. Example: The scientist's research may seem tedious and mundane, but she believes it serves a greater purpose of improving human health.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

How about harnessing the invention to a greater purpose?

The New York Times

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

Overnight, as their companies won Apollo contracts, their vocations suddenly took on a greater purpose.

The Guardian

She will always give me material that serves a greater purpose".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It can take on a greater purpose and meaning than simply propelling yourself along.

The Guardian

Collectively, as an organization they are united for a greater purpose than themselves.

Harvard Business Review

8. The work we do in my organization serves a greater purpose.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivations or long-term impacts, use "a greater purpose" to elevate the importance of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a greater purpose" for trivial matters. It is best reserved for situations where the objective truly transcends personal gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater purpose" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object of a verb or a complement to a preposition. As seen in Ludwig, it often clarifies the motivation or reason behind actions, attributing them to something more significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a greater purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that elevates the significance of actions or goals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent across various contexts, including news, academia, and business, underscoring its versatility. To effectively use this phrase, reserve it for situations where the objective transcends personal gain, and consider alternatives like "a larger purpose" or "a higher calling" to fine-tune the intended nuance. Remember to avoid overstating its use for trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a larger purpose

Uses "larger" instead of "greater", suggesting a purpose that is more expansive in scope.

a higher calling

Implies a purpose that is divinely inspired or morally superior.

a nobler cause

Suggests a purpose that is particularly virtuous or honorable.

a more meaningful goal

Focuses on the significance and value of the objective.

a more profound reason

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the underlying motivation.

a transformative aim

Highlights the potential for significant change or impact.

an overarching objective

Indicates a primary goal that encompasses other smaller objectives.

a fundamental intent

Focuses on the core reason or motivation behind an action.

a central mission

Emphasizes the importance of the purpose as a guiding principle.

a unifying vision

Suggests a purpose that brings people together and aligns their efforts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a greater purpose" in a sentence?

Use "a greater purpose" to highlight a reason or goal that extends beyond personal benefits, often associated with contributions to society or a larger community. For example: "Volunteering at the homeless shelter gave her a sense of "a greater purpose"".

What phrases can I use as alternatives to "a greater purpose"?

You can substitute "a greater purpose" with phrases such as "a larger purpose", "a higher calling", or "a nobler cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a greater purpose"?

Yes, "a greater purpose" is grammatically correct. The phrase uses the article 'a' with the adjective 'greater' modifying the noun 'purpose'.

When is it appropriate to use "a greater purpose" in writing?

Use "a greater purpose" when you want to emphasize that an action or goal has a significance that extends beyond immediate or personal gains. It's suitable for contexts involving altruism, social impact, or significant contributions.