common purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about a mission, goal, or ambition that many individuals or groups are striving towards. For example, "The teachers in this district have a common purpose: to guarantee a quality education for all their students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a common purpose".

The New York Times

"We had a common purpose.

The New York Times

The desire for common purpose wasn't.

The New York Times

But we both carry a common purpose.

The New York Times

This must be our common purpose.

The Guardian

There is no sense of common purpose.

The Guardian - Books

Collaboration and common purpose were evident in New York.

The Guardian

This is due to a total negligence of common purpose.

The New York Times

So much for a common purpose in a national institution.

The Guardian - Arts

Social housing providers and the NHS have common purpose.

The Guardian

There's no common purpose between the Johnsons and Green".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common purpose" to create a sense of unity and direction in your writing. For example, 'Despite their differences, they found a "common purpose" in protecting the environment'.

Common error

Avoid using "common purpose" without specifying what the purpose is. For example, instead of saying 'They lacked a "common purpose"', specify 'They lacked a "common purpose" in improving sales figures'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common purpose" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound. It describes a shared objective or goal that unites a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common purpose" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that signifies a shared objective or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in expressing unity of intent. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, but also appears in Formal & Business and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, it is essential to clearly define the shared goal to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "shared objective" or "united goal" can be used to add nuance, depending on the context. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "common purpose" to convey unity and direction in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared objective

Focuses on the specific aim that is shared.

united goal

Highlights the unity in pursuing a specific goal.

collective aim

Emphasizes that the aim is shared by a group.

mutual intent

Stresses the shared intention or plan.

joint ambition

Highlights the shared desire for achievement.

concerted effort

Focuses on the coordinated action towards a shared goal.

shared vision

Emphasizes the collective perspective on the future.

collaborative spirit

Highlights the cooperative attitude in working towards a shared objective.

team synergy

Focuses on the enhanced effectiveness achieved through teamwork.

aligned interests

Stresses that the interests of the involved parties are in harmony.

FAQs

How can I effectively illustrate a "common purpose" in a sentence?

To effectively illustrate a "common purpose", clearly define the group or individuals involved and the specific goal they share. For example, 'The community found a "common purpose" in revitalizing the local park'.

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

You can use alternatives like "shared objective", "united goal", or "collective aim" depending on the context.

Is "shared purpose" interchangeable with "common purpose"?

"Shared purpose" and "common purpose" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "common purpose" may sometimes imply a more structured or formally agreed-upon goal.

How does having a "common purpose" benefit a team or organization?

A "common purpose" fosters unity, enhances collaboration, and directs efforts toward a specific goal, which increases efficiency and overall success. It can also foster a "collaborative spirit".