a significant purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant purpose" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing the reason or intention behind something or someone's actions. For example: - My significant purpose in life is to make a positive impact on others. - The organization's significant purpose is to provide aid to underprivileged communities. - His significant purpose for studying engineering was to create sustainable solutions for renewable energy. - The artist's significant purpose in their art is to challenge societal norms and promote social change. - The politician's significant purpose in running for office was to improve healthcare accessibility for all citizens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In October 2001, Congress amended FISA to change "the purpose" language in 1804(a)(7)(B) to "a significant purpose".

The New York Times

And law enforcement will be able to use material gained from FISA surveillance if foreign intelligence was "a significant" purpose of the original investigation.

The New Yorker

which sets forth the elements of an application for an order, required a national security official in the executive branch, typically the director of the F.B.I., to certify that "the purpose" of the surveillance is to obtain foreign intelligence information (amended by the Patriot Act to read "a significant purpose").

The New York Times

Accordingly, section 1804 a)(7)(B)'s wording became "that a significant purpose of the surveillance is to obtain foreign intelligence information" There is simply no question, however, that Congress was keenly aware that this amendment relaxed a requirement that the government show that its primary purpose was other than criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

In examining the history of the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act, the opinion discussed a change by Congress in October 2001, under the Patriot Act, that allows surveillance and searches if the government declares that "a significant purpose" of that activity is gathering foreign intelligence.

The New York Times

The FAA only requires that foreign intelligence be a "significant purpose" of broad based surveillance programs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ironically, while Iran projected Omid's launch as an example of its scientific glory, Omid itself did not serve any significant purpose while in orbit.

Huffington Post

The sites for the two enzymes EcoRI and SmaI appeared in 96 to 97% of the sequences but due to the presence of only one site per sequence, these two enzymes could not serve any significant purpose at this stage.

Plosone

While one could argue that his character serves a decently significant purpose later on with regard to Emperor Palpatine's rise, why him?

Huffington Post

But it would also give a significant educational purpose to the under-qualified athlete's four years on campus.

The New York Times

"We will investigate to confirm that funds donated to these organizations, promising to serve a significant charitable purpose, have been used appropriately," Blumenthal said in a statement provided to The New York Times.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant purpose", ensure that the purpose you're describing is truly important or impactful to avoid weakening the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant purpose" to describe trivial or unimportant objectives, as this can diminish the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It emphasizes the importance or impact of the purpose being described. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant purpose" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to emphasize the importance or impact of an objective or intention. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. While not as frequent as other similar expressions, it finds usage across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity and impact, it's best practice to reserve its use for truly meaningful objectives. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase serves to highlight the weight and consequence behind an action or plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful goal

Replaces 'purpose' with 'goal' and 'significant' with 'meaningful', emphasizing the value of the objective.

a noteworthy reason

Substitutes 'purpose' with 'reason' and 'significant' with 'noteworthy', highlighting the importance of the cause.

an important objective

Replaces 'purpose' with 'objective' and 'significant' with 'important', stressing the aim to be achieved.

a substantial intention

Substitutes 'purpose' with 'intention' and 'significant' with 'substantial', focusing on the underlying plan.

a major reason

Replaces 'purpose' with 'reason' and 'significant' with 'major', emphasizing the importance of the cause.

a considerable aim

Substitutes 'purpose' with 'aim' and 'significant' with 'considerable', underscoring the target to be reached.

a vital function

Replaces 'purpose' with 'function' and 'significant' with 'vital', indicating its crucial role.

a primary motive

Substitutes 'purpose' with 'motive' and 'significant' with 'primary', focusing on the main driving force.

a key objective

Replaces 'purpose' with 'objective' and 'significant' with 'key', stressing its importance.

an essential function

Replaces 'purpose' with 'function' and 'significant' with 'essential', stressing that the function is necessary.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant purpose" to highlight the importance or impact of an objective or intention. For example, "The project served "a significant purpose" in revitalizing the community".

What are some alternatives to "a significant purpose"?

Alternatives include "a meaningful goal", "a noteworthy reason", or "an important objective", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a significant purpose" or "an important purpose"?

Both are acceptable, but "a significant purpose" often implies a broader or more impactful role, while "an important purpose" simply suggests that the aim is of considerable value.

What distinguishes "a significant purpose" from "a primary purpose"?

"A significant purpose" suggests an important but not necessarily the main reason, whereas "a primary purpose" indicates the main or most important reason.