a substantial purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significance or importance of a particular goal or objective in a context such as a project, policy, or action. Example: "The committee was formed with a substantial purpose: to improve community health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

the taxpayer has a substantial purpose (apart from Federal income tax effects) for entering into such transaction.

Cornell University

The Ex-PATRIOT Act also provides that if the IRS finds that avoidance of taxes was a substantial purpose of expatriation, the individual who renounced citizenship will be barred from any type of re-entry into the United States.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Contrary to the Court's decision in Citizens United, corporations have only highly limited free speech rights; the company's advertising or commercial speech merely ensures that a truthful statement of advertisement is not limited or censored by the government absent a substantial reason and the lack of an alternative means to accomplish its substantial purpose.

HuffPost

Nollan, supra, at 834, quoting Penn Central, 438 U.S. 104, 127 (1978) (" '[A] use restriction may constitute a taking if not reasonably necessary to the effectuation of a substantial government purpose' ").

Cornell University

See also Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City, 438 U.S. 104, 127 (1978) ("[A] use restriction may constitute a 'taking' if not reasonably necessary to the effectuation of a substantial government purpose").

Cornell University

The bill would force anyone who "expatriates for a substantial tax purpose -- as judged by the Internal Revenue Service" to pay a mandatory 30percenttaxax on future capital gains.

Huffington Post

Though the proceeding in question is divested of many of the aggravating incidents of actual search and seizure, yet, as before said, it contains their substance and essence, and effects their substantial purpose.

Cornell University

Beyond just looking great, there seems to be more substantial purpose, both visually and psychologically.

HuffPost

Yet recognition must be given as well to the important and substantial purposes of the University, which seeks to facilitate a wide range of speech.

Cornell University

In his opinion for the court today overturning the appellate ruling, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote that while the students did have First Amendment interests at stake, "recognition must be given as well to the important and substantial purposes of the university, which seek to facilitate a wide range of speech".

The New York Times

There must be a substantial noncompensatory business purpose, like a need to have employees available for emergencies, or an absence of sufficient restaurants nearby.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "a substantial purpose" when you want to emphasize that something is not just any purpose, but one of considerable weight, influence, or extent.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial purpose" as a filler phrase. Make sure the purpose you are describing truly warrants the adjective "substantial"; otherwise, consider using simpler alternatives like "a main purpose" or "a key objective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "purpose". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically serves to describe a goal or objective of considerable significance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial purpose" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase used to describe an objective of significant importance. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the analysis reveals it's not as common as other similar expressions. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, its use elevates the perceived weight of the stated purpose. When incorporating "a substantial purpose" into your writing, ensure the purpose aligns with the gravitas suggested by the adjective "substantial", using alternatives when a lighter tone is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant goal

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the goal.

a major objective

Substitutes "substantial" with "major", highlighting the scale or importance of the objective.

a considerable aim

Uses "considerable" instead of "substantial", indicating a noteworthy or significant aim.

an important reason

Replaces "purpose" with "reason", framing it as a significant justification.

a weighty intent

Employs "weighty" and "intent" to convey a sense of seriousness and importance.

a meaningful cause

Substitutes "purpose" with "cause", suggesting a deeper, more significant reason.

a primary motivation

Uses "primary motivation" to emphasize the main driving force.

a central design

Replaces purpose with "central design" shifting the focus to planning.

a noteworthy function

Uses "noteworthy function" instead, highlighting significance and role.

a tangible object

Replaces "substantial purpose" with "tangible object", which could lead to misunderstanding given the altered meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial purpose" to describe an aim or goal that is significant, important, or considerable. For example: "The project was undertaken with "a substantial purpose": to improve the city's infrastructure".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant goal", "a major objective", or "a considerable aim" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "substantial purpose" or "significant purpose"?

Both "substantial purpose" and "significant purpose" are correct, but "substantial" often implies more weight or impact than "significant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "a substantial purpose" and "a primary purpose"?

"A substantial purpose" refers to the significance or magnitude of the aim, while "a primary purpose" indicates the main or most important purpose among others.