answer the purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer the purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether something fulfills a specific function or meets a particular need. Example: "The new software update is designed to answer the purpose of improving system performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

No temporary Senate will have firmness en'o' to answer the purpose.

University of Chicago

But the greatest objection of all is, that the decisions which would probably result from such appeals, would not answer the purpose of maintaining the constitutional equilibrium of the government.

University of Chicago

If the roof be of a moderate span, the ridge piece (columen), and rafters (cantherii), of sufficient projection at their feet to throw the water off the walls, will answer the purpose.

University of Chicago

The Hereditary interest of the King was so interwoven with that of the Nation, and his personal emoluments so great, that he was placed above the danger of being corrupted from abroad--and at the same time was both sufficiently independent and sufficiently controuled, to answer the purpose of the institution at home.

University of Chicago

This, however, did not answer the purpose.

Huffington Post

This may answer the purpose of a prose sketch.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Towns, says Richardson, C. J., are public corporations, created for purposes purely public, empowered to hold property, and invested with many functions and faculties to enable them to answer the purposes of their creation.

Cornell University

I have written it for the use of emigrants more than for show, and if it answers the purpose of assisting them I shall be well satisfied.

University of Chicago

Good habits, imperceptibly fixed, are far preferable to the precepts of reason; but as this task requires more judgement than generally falls to the lot of parents, substitutes must be sought for, and medicines given, when regimen would have answered the purpose better'.

SEP

"A proper name," Mill contended A System of Logic, is nothing more than "a word that answers the purpose of showing what thing it is that we are talking about, but not of telling anything about it".

Huffington Post

This goal was espoused by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which opined, "That is the best engineering, not which makes the most splendid, or even the most perfect work, but that which makes a work that answers the purpose well, at the least cost".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "answer the purpose", ensure that the purpose is clearly defined within the context of your writing. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what specific need or function is being fulfilled.

Common error

Avoid using "answer the purpose" when the intended function is unclear or too broad. Instead, specify what purpose is being answered to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer the purpose" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the fulfillment of a specific intention or need. It describes how something is adequate or suitable for a particular objective, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

43%

News & Media

36%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer the purpose" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the fulfillment of a specific intention or need. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across academic, news, and scientific contexts, deeming its register neutral and its usage relatively uncommon. Consider alternative phrases like "serve its function" or "achieve the aim" for stylistic variation, ensuring that the purpose is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve its function

Replaces 'purpose' with 'function', emphasizing the role something is designed to perform.

achieve the aim

Substitutes 'purpose' with 'aim', focusing on the intended outcome or goal.

fulfill the goal

Uses 'goal' instead of 'purpose', highlighting a specific, measurable objective.

meet the objective

Emphasizes satisfying a defined objective or target.

satisfy the requirement

Focuses on fulfilling a specific need or condition.

work as intended

Highlights the proper or expected functioning of something.

suffice

Offers a shorter, more concise way of saying something is adequate for a particular need.

be adequate

Replaces the original phrase with a more direct assertion of suitability.

be suitable

Similar to 'be adequate', but emphasizes appropriateness for a certain context.

be fit for the task

Highlights the suitability of something for a specific task or job.

FAQs

How can I use "answer the purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "answer the purpose" to describe something that fulfills a specific function or meets a particular need. For example, "The new design of the bridge will "answer the purpose" of increasing traffic flow".

What's a good alternative to "answer the purpose"?

Alternatives include "serve its function", "achieve the aim", or "fulfill the goal", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "answer the purpose" or "serve the purpose"?

Both "answer the purpose" and "serve the purpose" are generally appropriate for formal writing. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

What does it mean when something "answers the purpose"?

When something "answers the purpose", it means that it effectively fulfills its intended function or satisfies a particular requirement. It is fit for the job.