a specific purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

"a specific purpose" is a perfectly valid and usable expression in written English.
It is often used to indicate the singular or precise goal of something, such as when writing a proposal. For example: "This proposal presents a method of achieving a specific purpose: increasing efficiency in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each cable has a specific purpose.

University of California, Berkeley

"They are all on board for a specific purpose.

The New York Times

This is partly because Hall's casting has a specific purpose.

The Guardian

What would a "limited action for a specific purpose" achieve?

The Guardian - Opinion

Your own smarter, vertical social network for a specific purpose.

Stanford University

This spectacular morning view also has a specific purpose.

The New York Times

Sometimes, the picks can be used for a specific purpose.

The New York Times

"I like conceptual design that has a specific purpose".

The New York Times

At the salon Mr. Soekoro dresses with a specific purpose in mind.

The New York Times

This was for a specific purpose – touring and work with children and young people.

The Guardian

In late 2007, David Reinke joined PartnerUp for a specific purpose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific purpose" in writing, ensure that the purpose is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps the audience understand the rationale behind actions, decisions, or designs.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific purpose" without actually specifying what that purpose is. This can leave your audience confused or uncertain about the intended outcome. Be explicit and elaborate on the purpose to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific purpose" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a complement or object in a sentence. It denotes a defined and particular reason or goal for an action, design, or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is valid and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific purpose" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase. It's used to denote a particular goal or reason and appears across diverse sources like news, academia, and science. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is valid in written English. To ensure clear communication, remember to define the purpose explicitly in your writing. While alternatives such as "a particular goal" or "a clear intention" exist, using "a specific purpose" effectively depends on the context and the intended level of formality. Be aware of being vague when using the phrase and always ensure that the purpose is clear in its context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular goal

Focuses on the end result or aim that something is intended to achieve, with a slight shift in emphasis from intention to outcome.

a definite objective

Emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of the aim, suggesting a well-defined target.

a clear intention

Highlights the mental state of intending to do something, shifting the focus to the actor's mindset.

a set aim

Implies a predetermined and fixed goal, suggesting less flexibility.

a designed function

Refers to the intended operation or role that something is created for, often in technical contexts.

a precise reason

Emphasizes the exact and accurate justification for an action or decision.

a targeted function

Indicates that the function is aimed at a very specific goal.

a prearranged objective

Highlights the prior planning and agreement on a certain objective.

a specialized task

Focuses on the activity that is designed to achieve something.

a primary use

Highlights its main or most important application.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific purpose" to describe the reason or goal behind an action, design, or plan. For example, "This tool was designed for "a specific purpose": to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "a specific purpose"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a particular goal", "a definite objective", or "a clear intention".

Is it better to say "a specific purpose" or "a general purpose"?

The choice depends on the context. "A specific purpose" implies a defined and particular goal, while "a general purpose" suggests a broader, less defined aim. Use the phrase that best reflects the actual intention.

How does "a specific purpose" differ from "an intention"?

While related, ""a specific purpose"" often refers to the intended outcome or function of something, whereas "an intention" focuses more on the mental state or aim of the person acting. The purpose describes the 'what', while the intention describes the 'why'.