a noble purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a noble purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an intention or goal that is honorable, virtuous, or morally commendable. Example: "The charity was founded with a noble purpose: to provide education and resources to underprivileged children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A provocateur with a noble purpose".

The New Yorker

Yet it has a noble purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

Humility and a noble purpose fuel it.

Harvard Business Review

But Girardi saw a noble purpose.

The New York Times - Sports

The broken escalator — have no doubt — fulfills a noble purpose.

The New York Times

It's also possible to build a noble purpose around caring deeply about your customers.

The New York Times

In fact, it serves a noble purpose, according to its sponsor, Democratic Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Obviously, [INSPIRE] has a noble purpose to do bold, high-risk things that couldn't be done in another way," she said.

Science Magazine

A panel on Thursday instructing investors on "Spotting the Next Bubble" filled up early, while another in the same time slot, "Does Business Have a Noble Purpose?," remained wide open.

The New York Times

Annihilating the competition is not a Noble Purpose.

Forbes

Both situations reveal what happens when an organization lacks a Noble Purpose.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a noble purpose", ensure it aligns with actions that demonstrate genuine commitment to ethical principles. Avoid using the phrase to justify actions that are primarily self-serving or lack transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "a noble purpose" excessively in marketing or self-promotional materials without concrete evidence of social impact. Overuse can diminish the phrase's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a noble purpose" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "noble" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "purpose". It describes a specific kind of purpose, one that is morally commendable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a noble purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a morally commendable intention or goal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to science and business. While synonyms like "a worthy cause" or "an honorable intention" exist, it's crucial to ensure its use aligns with genuine ethical commitments. Overusing the phrase, particularly in self-promotional contexts, can diminish its impact. Therefore, writers should strive for authenticity and transparency when invoking "a noble purpose".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noble aim

Focuses more on the intended outcome or goal.

a worthy cause

Emphasizes the deserving nature of the endeavor.

a noble objective

Highlights the specific target or result to be achieved.

an honorable intention

Stresses the integrity and ethical considerations behind the motive.

a laudable goal

Indicates the praiseworthy and commendable nature of the ambition.

a selfless ambition

Emphasizes putting others before oneself, and not acting for personal gain.

a virtuous undertaking

Highlights the moral excellence associated with the enterprise.

a meaningful endeavor

Focuses on the significance and impact of the effort.

a principled mission

Highlights the adherence to strong ethical guidelines.

a benevolent design

Suggests the kindly, charitable nature of the planned actions.

FAQs

What does "a noble purpose" mean?

The phrase "a noble purpose" describes an intention or goal that is considered morally good, honorable, and aimed at benefiting others or society as a whole. It suggests a commitment to virtuous principles and ethical conduct.

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

You can use "a noble purpose" to describe the underlying motivation behind an action or endeavor. For example: "The organization was founded with "a noble purpose": to provide clean water to communities in need."

What are some alternatives to "a noble purpose"?

Alternatives to "a noble purpose" include "a worthy cause", "an honorable intention", or "a laudable goal". Each alternative emphasizes slightly different aspects of the virtuous aim.

Is it appropriate to use "a noble purpose" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "a noble purpose" in a business context, especially when highlighting corporate social responsibility or ethical business practices. However, ensure that the claim is supported by genuine actions and not just marketing rhetoric.