a private purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a private purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an intention or goal that is personal and not meant for public knowledge or benefit. Example: "The funds were allocated for a private purpose, ensuring that the details remained confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

William Eastland, a leading Republican in Arlington, is also outraged, and puts it this way: "You're using public money for a private purpose".

The New York Times

So 'non-academic artists' definitely describes them in one way, and 'private art-making' describes the core of it, because almost all of these artists started making art for a private purpose".

The Guardian - Arts

Because PrimusLabs is a private company, hired by another private company for a private purpose, its lawyers contend that its only legal duty is to the producer that commissioned its audit — not to the consumers who bought a cantaloupe several steps down the supply chain.

The New Yorker

These taxable munis are issued for a "private purpose," such as a downtown parking garage.

Forbes

In that frame, copyright protection has both a public and a private purpose.

TechCrunch

So he might be able to raise these issues on the question of intent--that he acted for a public purpose, not a private purpose".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sisley's visit there in 1897 had a poignant private purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sustainable purpose: private sector contributions to the greater good Too often, we assume that a private companys purpose is profits, and its concentration on the larger society is just an obligatory sidelight.

Unicef

"It can't be both a trip for private purposes and a trip on which he met with a vice minister in the Chinese government.

The Guardian

Avoid private purpose bonds—the kind whose income is taxable in the AMT.

Forbes

The company also offers private purpose coaching.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "personal goal" or "confidential objective" if you want to emphasize different aspects of the private nature of the purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a private purpose" when the intention is inherently negative or exploitative. Instead, consider more accurate terms like "selfish motive" or "ulterior purpose" if the aim is detrimental to others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a private purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where 'private' modifies 'purpose'. It describes the kind of goal or intention someone has. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a private purpose" is a grammatically sound and usable term that describes an intention or goal that is personal and not meant for public knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, consider more precise alternatives in formal or scientific writing. Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates why the purpose is private to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "a personal goal" or "a confidential objective" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a personal goal

Focuses on the individual's aim or ambition.

a confidential objective

Emphasizes the secrecy and restricted nature of the aim.

a secret intention

Highlights the hidden nature of the plan.

a non-public aim

Stresses that the goal is not intended for public knowledge.

a discreet motive

Indicates a cautious and subtle underlying reason.

an individual agenda

Suggests a plan specific to one person's needs or desires.

a self-serving reason

Implies the purpose benefits only the individual involved.

a clandestine design

Emphasizes the secretive and often illicit nature of the plan.

a private undertaking

Focuses on the act of taking on a personal endeavor.

a solitary pursuit

Highlights the individual and independent nature of the activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a private purpose" to describe an aim or intention that is personal and not intended for public knowledge or benefit. For instance, "The funds were allocated for "a private purpose", ensuring that the details remained confidential."

What are some alternatives to "a private purpose"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a personal goal", "a confidential objective", or "a secret intention".

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

Yes, "a private purpose" is grammatically correct. The adjective "private" modifies the noun "purpose", indicating that the purpose is personal or confidential.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a private purpose"?

It's appropriate to use "a private purpose" when referring to an intention or goal that is not meant for public consumption, or when discretion is needed regarding the aim. For example, "Sisley's visit there in 1897 had "a private purpose"".