a wider purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wider purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a goal or intention that extends beyond immediate or narrow objectives. Example: "The organization aims to serve a wider purpose by addressing social issues and promoting community development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Others came with a wider purpose.

The Economist

But there is a wider purpose to the index.

The New York Times

Initially, I thought that the laws "protecting" us from Gough's body had a wider purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

But a wider purpose lies beneath the easygoing charm of these pastels.

The New York Times

By contrast all the Green Carpet pieces have a narrative and a wider purpose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although the use of the mirrors is a link with Mr. Morris's early career, they have a wider purpose.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We will contribute to building a wide purpose dataset by publishing the thermal soccer sequences along with annotations for tracking on our website2.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

But the exhibition also has a wider scholarly purpose.

The New York Times

Ah, the main political parties say, but all these complications and casualties are worth it, because there is a wider driving purpose to the war.

Independent

And while Mrs May believes the police service's primary role is to cut crime, Labour has endorsed Lord Stevens' view that police have a wider "social purpose" too - improving safety and well-being in communities.

BBC

Have there been any other examples of this misuse that have served a wider artistic purpose?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wider purpose", ensure the context clearly defines the specific goal and its broader implications. This helps avoid vagueness and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the breadth of the "wider purpose". Be realistic and specific about the achievable outcomes and the actual impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to denote a goal or intention that extends beyond immediate or limited objectives. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its grammatical flexibility and semantic range.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wider purpose" is a noun phrase that signifies a goal or intention that extends beyond immediate objectives. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially news, encyclopedias and scientific documents. Its usage implies a broader social, ethical, or strategic significance. To use it effectively, ensure clarity about the specific goal and its broader implications, and avoid overstating its scope. While it can be interchanged with phrases like "a broader objective" or "a greater intent", the subtle differences in meaning should be considered for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broader objective

Emphasizes a more general or encompassing goal.

a more extensive aim

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the goal.

a greater intent

Focuses on the increased significance of the intention.

an overarching goal

Suggests a primary or dominant aim that guides other actions.

a grander design

Implies a more ambitious and elaborate plan.

a higher calling

Suggests a morally or spiritually significant purpose.

a more comprehensive vision

Highlights a detailed and inclusive long-term objective.

a larger objective

Focuses on the size and scope of the target.

an expanded mission

Suggests an extended or broadened organizational goal.

a far-reaching ambition

Emphasizes the extensive impact and scope of the aspiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wider purpose" to describe an intention that goes beyond immediate goals. For example, "The project serves "a wider purpose" by improving community health and promoting sustainable living".

What's the difference between "a wider purpose" and "a deeper purpose"?

"A wider purpose" refers to a goal that encompasses more aspects or people, while "a deeper purpose" suggests a more profound or meaningful motivation.

Which is a more formal alternative to "a wider purpose"?

A more formal alternative to "a wider purpose" could be "a broader objective" or "a more comprehensive aim".

Can "a wider purpose" be used in a business context?

Yes, "a wider purpose" is suitable in a business context to describe goals that extend beyond profit, such as social responsibility or environmental sustainability. For instance, "The company embraces "a wider purpose" by supporting local communities and reducing its carbon footprint".