chief purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the primary or main reason for something. Example: "The chief purpose of this meeting is to discuss the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the end that has not been his chief purpose.

The Guardian

He said the chief purpose of the Society is to improve analytic techniques.

The New Yorker

From now on its chief purpose must be to avert them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In doing so, some trusts lost sight of their chief purpose – providing high-quality care.

Independent

Thus far the chief purpose of our military establishment has been to win wars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Hopkins's chief purpose here is not that of his subtitle.

The New York Times - Books

Not surprisingly "Spirit" is designed with one chief purpose: to showcase a titanium-caliber voice.

The New York Times

To bring about such a rapprochement was Jinnah's chief purpose during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its chief purpose was to train musicians to participate in public concerts, fêtes, and celebrations organized by the republic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chief purpose of nuclear weapons is to terrorize: "mutual deterrence" is simply a euphemism for mutual terror.

The New York Times - Books

Its chief purpose is to help people make responsible and informed decisions concerning their own health or that of their children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, "chief purpose" provides a strong and direct way to state the primary objective. It's suitable for reports, proposals, and academic papers where clarity and precision are essential.

Common error

Avoid using "chief purpose" when describing secondary goals or supporting objectives. Using it for anything other than the main intention dilutes its impact and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief purpose" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the primary aim or intention behind something, aligning with Ludwig's confirmation of its correctness and usability. For example, in the sentence, "The chief purpose of the meeting is to discuss the budget," it clarifies the meeting's main goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief purpose" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that denotes the primary aim or intention behind something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Its strength lies in its ability to clearly and directly state the most important objective, making it suitable for formal reports, academic papers, and professional discussions. While alternatives like "primary objective" or "main goal" exist, "chief purpose" offers a strong and direct way to specify the primary intention. It’s important to use it accurately, ensuring it truly reflects the most important aim and not secondary goals, as shown by the numerous real-world examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary objective

Replaces "purpose" with "objective" while retaining the sense of the most important goal.

main goal

Substitutes "chief purpose" with a more common and straightforward expression.

principal aim

Uses "aim" instead of "purpose", providing a formal alternative.

core intention

Emphasizes the underlying intent as the most important aspect.

central reason

Highlights the main reason behind an action or decision.

fundamental objective

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the objective.

overriding concern

Indicates that a particular concern takes precedence over others.

basic rationale

Focuses on the underlying reasoning as the primary element.

primary function

Shifts focus to the main function or role of something.

central focus

Highlights what is at the center of attention or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "chief purpose" in a sentence?

The phrase "chief purpose" is used to describe the main reason or objective for something. For example: "The "chief purpose" of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the new treatment."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "chief purpose"?

Alternatives include "primary objective", "main goal", or "principal aim". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "chief purpose" interchangeable with "main reason"?

While similar, "chief purpose" often implies a more intentional and planned objective, whereas "main reason" can refer to a cause or explanation. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize intent or causality.

What is the difference between "chief purpose" and "ultimate goal"?

"Chief purpose" refers to the immediate or primary intention, while "ultimate goal" describes a long-term or final desired outcome. A "chief purpose" might be a step towards achieving the "ultimate goal".