an important purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an important purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significance or role of something in achieving a goal or objective. Example: "The new policy was implemented with an important purpose in mind: to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Military commissions do serve an important purpose.

The New York Times

It serves an important purpose.

The Guardian

Yet the ambiguities may well serve an important purpose.

The New York Times

The apology is likely to serve an important purpose.

Harvard Business Review

Yet this outsized attention has served an important purpose.

The New York Times

But I believe that what I do now serves an important purpose.

The New York Times - Magazine

And an important purpose of the waiver, they say, is to describe the dangers involved fairly.

The New York Times - Travel

Michael Sorkin believes that imagining an alternative, however idealistic it may be, serves an important purpose.

The New Yorker

But this big game of "Will this play in Peoria?" serves an important purpose.

The New York Times - Books

Devine believes the union served an important purpose and has now simply run its course.

The Guardian

Whether or not Katznelson's study directly influences the affirmative action debate, it serves an important purpose.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an important purpose", ensure the context clearly explains what that purpose is. Avoid vague references; be specific about the intended goal or function.

Common error

Avoid using "an important purpose" when the actual significance is minimal. Overusing such phrases can dilute their impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the significance or role of something. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an important purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. Ludwig AI underlines its role in emphasizing the significance or role of something. Its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While prevalent in various sources, it's crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatement and ensuring clear context. Alternatives like "a key objective" or "a crucial function" offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas. This analysis, based on real-world examples, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this phrase's effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant reason

Replaces "purpose" with "reason", focusing on the justification behind an action.

a crucial function

Substitutes "important purpose" with "crucial function", highlighting the essential role something plays.

a key objective

Replaces "purpose" with "objective", emphasizing the goal to be achieved.

a primary aim

Changes "purpose" to "aim", stressing the intention or desired outcome.

a vital role

Replaces "important purpose" with "vital role", underscoring the necessity of something.

a central intent

Substitutes "purpose" with "intent", focusing on the planned or intended meaning.

a major goal

Replaces "purpose" with "goal", highlighting the desired result.

a critical task

Changes "purpose" to "task", emphasizing a specific duty or activity.

a fundamental reason

Replaces "important" with "fundamental", stressing the basic or essential nature of the reason.

a valuable contribution

Shifts the focus to the positive impact or benefit provided.

FAQs

How can I use "an important purpose" in a sentence?

Use "an important purpose" to highlight the significance of a specific goal, function, or reason. For example, "The study served "an important purpose" in identifying new treatment options."

What phrases can I use instead of "an important purpose"?

You can use phrases like "a key objective", "a crucial function", or "a significant reason" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. These alternatives offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "a purpose that is important" instead of "an important purpose"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "an important purpose" is more concise and commonly used. "A purpose that is important" is slightly more verbose but acceptable. The choice depends on the desired tone and flow of your writing.

What's the difference between "an important purpose" and "a critical purpose"?

"An important purpose" suggests that something is of high value or significance. "A critical purpose" implies that something is essential or crucial for success or survival. "Critical purpose" suggests a higher degree of necessity.