change purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "change purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of altering the intended goals or objectives of a project, plan, or action. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to change purposes for this initiative and focus on community outreach instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Strict hygiene requirements mean decor must be kept to a minimum, and evolving needs mean rooms often change purpose at short notice.

The Guardian

Videos of the concept cars rolling across neighborhoods with speed, efficiency and the ability to change purpose at virtually a moment's notice, to fill a need from a different kind of client.

TechCrunch

In response, those on the left "have an inhibition about using litigation for social-change purposes," while appeals to the courts are "the bread and butter of the right, whether it's campaign finance or guns or affirmative action".

The New Yorker

Lomborg questions the creation of a global "honey pot" for the developing world to dip into for climate-change purposes.

Forbes

The most positive aspect of this legacy was manifest in the selfless devotion of Pierre Mulele to radical change for purposes of meeting the deepest aspirations of the Congolese people for democracy and social progress.

The Guardian

Results indicate that cities with low emission intensities should be cautious about adopting smart growth controls for climate change mitigation purposes.

Cities

Further research that includes more states and allows for sharing of data could further the understanding of spatial vulnerability to heat and the usefulness of a national HVI for climate change adaptation purposes.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Even if you're not going to change your purpose, destination or objectives, use moments of change to reconfirm them.

Huffington Post

In October 2001, Congress amended FISA to change "the purpose" language in 1804(a)(7)(B) to "a significant purpose".

The New York Times

But while the means will change, our purpose endures: a nation that rewards the effort and determination of every single American...

The Guardian

But while the means will change, our purpose endures: a nation that rewards the effort and determination of every single American.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "change purposes", ensure the context clearly indicates what the original purposes were and what they are being changed to. This will avoid ambiguity and enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that purposes are being changed without specifying the new purposes. Always clearly articulate what the revised intentions or goals are to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change purposes" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of altering or modifying the intended goals, aims, or objectives. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not commonly found in published literature.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "change purposes" is grammatically correct but infrequently used. Ludwig highlights the lack of examples found in its corpus. While understandable, it's advisable to use more common and explicit alternatives like "alter objectives" or "modify aims" to enhance clarity. When using this phrase, ensure the new purposes are clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity. Using these alternatives will improve the message impact and comprehension. Therefore, while technically sound, consider other phrases for more clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alter objectives

Focuses on altering specific objectives rather than the broader "purposes".

modify aims

Similar to altering objectives, but emphasizes adjustments to overarching goals.

revise intentions

Highlights a shift in intended plans or goals.

adjust goals

Emphasizes a fine-tuning of specific targets or desired outcomes.

redefine objectives

Suggests a more substantial change, implying a new definition of the goals.

shift focus

Indicates a change in the area of attention or emphasis.

redirect efforts

Focuses on changing the direction of work or activity.

transform strategy

Implies a more significant alteration in the overall plan or approach.

re-engineer the goal

Indicates a fundamental redesign of the intended objective, which may imply deep innovation and restructuring.

adapt the mission

Implies that the fundamental reason for the action is changing.

FAQs

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

You can use "change purposes" when you want to express that the intentions or objectives are being modified. For example, "We had to change purposes due to the evolving market conditions".

What can I say instead of "change purposes"?

You can use alternatives like "alter objectives", "modify aims", or "revise intentions" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "change purposes" or "modify objectives"?

While both are grammatically correct, "modify objectives" is generally preferred as it's more common and clearer in conveying the alteration of specific goals.

What's the difference between "change purposes" and "shift focus"?

"Change purposes" implies a fundamental alteration of goals, while "shift focus" suggests a change in the area of attention or emphasis, which might not involve a complete change of the original aims.