all purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the various reasons or objectives for which something is intended or applicable. Example: "This document is intended for all purposes related to the project, including planning, execution, and evaluation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For almost all purposes, Iraq has no government.

The New Yorker

Small towns usually have one polyclinic to serve all purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it does not prove death for all purposes".

Independent

"It's my position that he has waived his Fifth Amendment protections for all purposes".

The New York Times

Not all students are convinced that high tech is best for all purposes.

The New York Times

Those borrowings accounted for half the county government's debt for all purposes.

The New York Times

Karl Angell, a police spokesman, answered, "For all purposes we are not speaking on the matter".

The New York Times

The Cleisthenic deme was the primary unit for virtually all purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not because she's mine, but because for all purposes we're the only family she's ever known.

The New York Times

Cook, however, was to all purposes tone-deaf, and had to be prevented from singing whenever possible.

The Guardian - Books

The lovely cloudless day made it easy for the community to commandeer the space for any and all purposes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all purposes", ensure the context clearly defines the scope being covered. Be specific if possible to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify whether "all purposes" refers to legal, practical, or theoretical applications.

Common error

Avoid using "all purposes" when the application is limited or undefined. Instead of saying a tool is suitable for "all purposes", specify its primary functions and limitations to provide a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all purposes" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the scope or extent to which something applies. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to describe the broad applicability of a concept, tool, or regulation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all purposes" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is applicable or intended for a wide variety of uses or reasons. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, primarily serving to express inclusivity and comprehensiveness. Its register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and professional communication. While alternatives like "for every reason" and "in every respect" exist, "all purposes" remains a clear and widely understood way to convey broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for all uses

Directly states that something is suitable for a wide range of applications.

universally applicable

Highlights the broad relevance and suitability without specific intentions.

for every reason

Emphasizes the inclusivity of reasons rather than the scope of application.

in every respect

Focuses on the completeness of consideration, highlighting comprehensive coverage.

in every instance

Emphasizes the consistent applicability across various occurrences or situations.

for any application

Highlights the versatility across different uses rather than general intentions.

in all cases

Highlights the universality of a condition or rule irrespective of individual cases.

for each objective

Underscores that something is applicable to all specific goals or aims.

across the board

Suggests a widespread or universal effect without focusing on intent or reason.

without exception

Implies no exclusions but does not explicitly convey purpose or intention.

FAQs

How can I use "all purposes" in a sentence?

You can use "all purposes" to indicate that something is suitable for a wide variety of uses. For example, "This software is designed for "all purposes" within data analysis."

What's a good substitute for "all purposes"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "every reason", "every respect", or "all uses" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say 'for any and all purposes'?

Yes, "for any and "all purposes"" is a valid, albeit somewhat redundant, way to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the intended uses.

What's the difference between "for all intents and purposes" and "for all purposes"?

"For "all intents and purposes"" typically means 'in every practical sense', whereas "for "all purposes"" simply means 'for every use or reason'. The former implies a practical equivalence, while the latter emphasizes scope.