business purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "business purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific reason or objective for which a business is established or operates. Example: "The primary business purpose of our company is to provide innovative technology solutions to enhance productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The discounts had a solid business purpose.

The New York Times

Business Purpose: A clear and complete business purpose must be documented for each and every trip.

Yale University

It serves a business purpose too, he said.

The New York Times

All reimbursement requests must include statement of business purpose.

Stanford University

Finally, we address the matter of business purpose.

Harvard University

Each vehicle acquired shall meet a valid University business purpose.

Stanford University

The foundation's officials say the free trips are solely educational and have no business purpose.

The New York Times

The partnership transactions "served no apparent business purpose for Enron," the report says.

The New York Times

We shall only promote transactions or structures that have both substance and business purpose".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We have agreed a single cross-business Purpose for Barclays, and five core Values which underpin it.

The New York Times

Campbell's Nourish illustrates how an innovative CSR initiative can reinforce the company's business purpose and seamlessly leverage its operational competencies.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating new projects, always define the core "business purpose" upfront to align stakeholders and measure success effectively.

Common error

Avoid generic descriptions of the "business purpose". Provide specific details about how the activity contributes to the company's goals to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "business purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it often appears in contexts related to defining the objective of an activity or expense, such as justifying travel reimbursements or evaluating projects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Formal & Business

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "business purpose" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the underlying reason for a business activity. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently encountered in formal settings such as business, academia, and news media. The main objective of using this term is to clarify the intent behind an action or expense. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific and avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "commercial rationale" and "corporate objective", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "business purpose" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legitimate reason for business

Emphasizes the lawful or justifiable cause a business has.

commercial rationale

Emphasizes the logical or justifiable reason from a business perspective.

company's aim

A simple and direct way to state the objectives of a company.

corporate objective

Focuses on the goals or aims of a corporation.

organizational objective

Highlights the structured and formal aim of the organization.

economic justification

Highlights the financial or economic reasons for a business decision.

venture's motive

Focuses on the underlying reason for starting or continuing a business venture.

strategic intent

Refers to the overarching plan or direction a business is pursuing.

enterprise's goal

Relates to the specific targets an enterprise seeks to achieve.

operational goal

Relates to the specific targets or aims within the daily operations of a business.

FAQs

How can I effectively articulate the "business purpose" of a project?

Clearly state the goals, target audience, and expected outcomes. Link the project directly to the company's strategic objectives for clarity.

What is a "legitimate business purpose" in the context of tax deductions?

It refers to activities directly related to generating income or maintaining business operations. Personal expenses disguised as business activities are not considered a "legitimate business purpose".

How does "business purpose" differ from "social purpose"?

"Business purpose" primarily focuses on financial or operational goals, while "social purpose" emphasizes contributing to societal well-being or addressing social issues.

Why is stating the "business purpose" important in contracts?

It provides context for the agreement and clarifies the intentions of the parties involved, helping to prevent disputes and ensure enforceability.