bad purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad purposes" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the intentions or motives behind someone's actions. Example: The politician's words were twisted and used for bad purposes, causing harm and division among the public.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is dual-use research, meaning research that can be used for good and bad purposes.

The New York Times - Health

The form she highlights -- and it is one that has, she knows, been put to bad purposes — is patriotism.

The New York Times

"By nature, a tool like that can be used for good or bad purposes," Mr. Yan said by e-mail.

The New York Times - Tech

It can be used for good and bad purposes.

TechCrunch

Dual use is defined as research that could be used for good or bad purposes.

Science Magazine

This capacity can be used for good or bad purposes; it can cause great benefits as well as great harms.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It will cover up their bad purpose, and they might get promoted," he said.

The New Yorker

He told me that he was "grieved that good science, which has helped many people overcome depression, may have been used for such a bad purpose as torture".

The New Yorker

Mr. Cantor said the Constitution contained "no requirement that anyone allow someone to come into their home, for a good or a bad purpose".

The New York Times

At least two courts have specifically approved jury instructions essentially stating that an act of infringement done "willfully" means an act voluntarily and purposely done with specific intent to do that which the law forbids, that is to say, with bad purpose either to disobey or disregard the law.

Harvard University

Abuse, on the other hand, is improper usage or treatment for a bad purpose.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing intentions, clearly define who is acting with "bad purposes" and what those purposes entail to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "bad purposes" to entire groups or organizations. Instead, specify individuals or actions to maintain fairness and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. The phrase "bad purposes" typically functions as an adverbial, clarifying the intent behind an action or state. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in describing the reasons for particular behaviors or actions, as also stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad purposes" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe unethical or harmful intentions. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by Ludwig AI, reveals that it is commonly found in news articles and scientific discussions. The phrase functions adverbially, modifying actions or states, and serves to express disapproval of intended outcomes. While generally neutral in register, the presence of "bad" naturally lends a negative connotation. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the actors and their specific purposes is paramount to avoid ambiguity or unfair generalization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical purposes

Using a synonym of the initial word, the focus remains on purposes.

evil intentions

Replaces "purposes" with "intentions", focusing on the planned course of action.

improper motives

Changes "purposes" to "motives", emphasizing the underlying reasons for actions.

dishonorable intentions

Focuses on the lack of integrity behind the actions.

sinister goals

Employs more dramatic language to suggest a hidden, harmful agenda.

malicious objectives

Uses formal vocabulary to underscore the deliberate and harmful nature of the intent.

corrupt designs

Highlights the unethical and potentially illegal aspect of the plans.

nefarious aims

Substitutes both words with stronger, more negative synonyms to amplify the malicious intent.

immoral objectives

Replaces with a focus on moral or ethical violation.

unjustified reasons

This alternative focuses on the lack of legitimate support or base of the purpose.

FAQs

What does "bad purposes" mean?

The phrase "bad purposes" refers to intentions, aims, or goals that are considered morally wrong, unethical, or harmful.

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

You can use it to describe the motivations behind negative actions, such as "The funds were diverted for "nefarious aims"" or "They used the technology for "evil intentions"".

Are there formal synonyms for "bad purposes"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "malicious objectives", "corrupt designs", or "dishonorable intentions", which are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "bad purposes" and "unintended consequences"?

"Bad purposes" implies deliberate intent to cause harm or achieve unethical goals, while "unintended consequences" refers to outcomes that were not foreseen or planned, regardless of the initial intent.