a statement of purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a statement of purpose" is commonly used in written English.
It refers to a sentence or group of sentences that articulate the main goal or intention behind something. One example of using this phrase could be in a business proposal: "The statement of purpose for our company's new product is to provide a cost-effective solution for small businesses seeking to streamline their operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's just that he doesn't make his West Indianness a statement of purpose.

The New Yorker

That's a come-on, of course, but it's also a statement of purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

That last phrase is a statement of purpose for both migration and romance.

The New Yorker

Ensure you include a call-to-action, as in a statement of purpose.

The Guardian

It sounds like a statement of purpose, and it's also ecstatic, with some of the outright joy of holiday music.

The New York Times - Arts

It is an author's note, a statement of purpose — subtly and skillfully absorbed into the art of storytelling.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Ferrero has undertaken to ensure that 100percentt of its palm oil is sustainable using measures established under its Palm Oil Charter, a statement of purposes launched in 2013 "to address the leading causes of deforestation and create a balance between the conservation of the environment, community needs and economic benefit and viability".

Vice

THE tattoos on the body of the Brazilian rapper Marcelo D2 are more than decorations; they are also a statement of musical purpose and direction.

The New York Times - Arts

Prospective participants received a formal invitation that provided a statement of the purpose of the meeting.

BMJ Quality and Safety

In order to deliver a claim statement of purpose (and a reason to fund the venture), you need to present your solution so that it effectively tackles the problem.

WikiHow

And like those bands, TV on the Radio, a three-piece group from Brooklyn, has produced a first album that is a stunning statement of purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a formal document, ensure that your "statement of purpose" is clear, concise, and directly addresses the main objective. Avoid ambiguity and use precise language.

Common error

Avoid making your "statement of purpose" too general. Instead of saying 'I want to help people,' specify the area or field where you intend to make a difference, such as 'I want to improve healthcare access in underserved communities'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a statement of purpose" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the formal articulation of an intention, objective, or goal. The Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a statement of purpose" is a widely used noun phrase that clearly articulates the intent or objective behind something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and science. While versatile, it tends toward neutrality and formality, serving to inform and set clear expectations. For alternatives, consider "a declaration of intent" or "a mission statement", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a declaration of intent

Focuses on the formal announcement of a future action or objective.

a mission statement

Specifically refers to a formal summary of the aims and values of a company, organization, or individual.

an expression of objectives

Highlights the articulation of specific targets or goals to be achieved.

a rationale

Emphasizes the underlying reasons or justification for a particular action or decision.

an articulation of goals

Focuses on clearly expressing the desired outcomes or aims.

an explanation of aims

Highlights the detailed description of what is intended or desired.

a summary of intentions

Refers to a concise overview of plans or purposes.

a defining principle

Emphasizes the core belief or value that guides actions and decisions.

a thesis statement

Specifically refers to a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc.

an intent

A more concise way of referring to one's purpose or objective.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a statement of purpose" in an essay?

In an essay, "a statement of purpose" should clearly introduce your topic, outline your main arguments, and indicate the direction your essay will take. It acts as a roadmap for your reader.

What's the difference between "a statement of purpose" and "a mission statement"?

"A statement of purpose" is typically used for personal or academic contexts, outlining individual goals. A "mission statement", on the other hand, is usually associated with organizations and businesses, describing their overall objectives and values.

What are some alternatives to using "a statement of purpose" in a cover letter?

In a cover letter, instead of "a statement of purpose", you can use phrases like "a declaration of intent", a summary of intentions, or simply state your career objectives directly.

Is it better to have a broad or specific "statement of purpose"?

It's generally better to have a specific "statement of purpose". A specific statement demonstrates a clear understanding of your goals and shows focus, while a broad statement can seem vague and unfocused.