a purposeful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a purposeful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done with intention or a specific goal in mind. Example: "She approached her studies with a purposeful attitude, determined to achieve her academic goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a purposeful death.

The Guardian

A purposeful run.

The Guardian - Sport

as part of a purposeful creative process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A purposeful opacity seems the only rule.

The New Yorker

I'm talking about a purposeful mindset.

Independent

She affects a purposeful tone.

The New York Times

Jackman flashed a purposeful grin at newcomers to the room.

The New Yorker

It was a purposeful mess, onstage and off.

The New York Times - Arts

The Nets maintained a purposeful vagueness about the injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Two chimneys trail smoke above a purposeful ridged roof.

The Guardian - Opinion

A purposeful pratfall and a hop to the side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a purposeful", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the intention or goal behind the described action or object. For example, "a purposeful strategy" implies a strategy designed with a specific aim.

Common error

Avoid using "a purposeful" in situations where the intention or goal is unclear or undefined. This can make your writing sound pretentious or confusing. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "intentional" or "deliberate" if the purpose is not readily apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a purposeful" functions primarily as an adjective that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is characterized by intention, determination, or a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showcasing examples where it adds a layer of meaning related to intent or objective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a purposeful" serves as an adjective denoting intention and direction. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific publications. While grammatically sound and commonly used, writers should ensure the context clearly indicates the intended goal to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "an intentional" or "a deliberate", depending on the desired nuance. When used appropriately, "a purposeful" effectively communicates intentionality and goal-oriented action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intentional

Focuses on the deliberate nature of the action or thing.

a deliberate

Emphasizes careful consideration and planning.

a determined

Highlights resolve and firmness of purpose.

a resolute

Stresses unwavering commitment to a goal.

a goal-oriented

Specifically relates to actions directed towards achieving a goal.

a targeted

Indicates a specific aim or objective.

a well-defined

Emphasizes clarity and precision of the objective.

a meaningful

Highlights the significance and value of the action or thing.

a considered

Focuses on thoughtfulness and careful evaluation.

a well-reasoned

Emphasizes the logical basis and justification.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a purposeful" in a sentence?

Use "a purposeful" to describe actions, plans, or behaviors that are driven by a specific intention or objective. For example, "She made "a purposeful effort" to improve her communication skills" indicates a clear intention to enhance her skills.

What are some alternatives to using "a purposeful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an intentional", "a deliberate", or "a determined" approach. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a purposeful" and "an intentional"?

"A purposeful" suggests a clear goal or aim behind an action, whereas "an intentional" simply means something was done deliberately. "Purposeful" implies a more defined objective.

When should I avoid using "a purposeful" in my writing?

Avoid using "a purposeful" when the context lacks a clear indication of the intended goal or objective. In such cases, using "a deliberate" or "intentional" may be more appropriate to simply convey that an action was done consciously.