false purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "false purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intention or goal that is misleading or not genuine. Example: "The organization was accused of operating under a false purpose, masking its true intentions behind a facade of charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Shame has false purpose and deep resolve.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our war in Iraq was fundamentally a war of choice, and it was the wrong choice -- a war fought on false pretenses and for false purposes.

Huffington Post

At that he looked at me with pitiable hatred: for he was, however false his purpose, truly in kemmer and deeply roused.

The New Yorker

Some statements were false (on purpose) and respondents seemed unsure about the answers to false statements for both toxoplasmosis and listeriosis prevention practices.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

He neatly dodges his gun-enthusiast uncle whenever possible, and he wears a necktie every day to give himself "a false sense of purpose".

The New York Times - Books

How do we know anything?" Mr. Rumsfeld emphatically denied that the office, established after Sept. 11, ever intended to spread false information on purpose, despite classified proposals circulating in the Pentagon suggesting it might.

The New York Times

It must be noted that for regulatory purposes false negatives are very important because regulators obviously wish to avoid wrongly assigning the hazard levels of chemicals.

Chemistry Central Journal

It's a false reality, but its purpose is to make it feel more authentic".

The New York Times

"This means that they had deliberately stated false data about the purpose of their visit to the Russian Federation.

Independent

He is serving three years' probation after being arrested for entering the New Orleans office of Senator Mary Landrieu under false pretenses, with the purpose of committing a felony.

The New York Times

The Police Act 1997 (which governs CRB checks) creates further offences, including, at section 123, knowingly to make a false statement for the purpose of obtaining, or enabling another person to obtain, a CRB certificate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false purpose", ensure the context clearly establishes the deception or misrepresentation involved. Provide evidence or context to support the claim that the purpose is not genuine.

Common error

Avoid using "false purpose" when the intent is merely mistaken or misguided, rather than deliberately deceptive. Ensure that there is an element of intentional misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false purpose" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object or a subject complement to describe a deceptive or misleading intention. As Ludwig confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "false purpose" describes a deceptive or misleading intention, used to criticize actions undertaken under a guise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare. It appears in neutral contexts, often in news, science, and analytical writing, to expose hidden or unethical motives. Alternatives like "deceptive intention" or "ulterior motive" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When employing the term, ensure the context provides evidence of intentional misrepresentation, differentiating it from mere error or misguided intent. Remember that "false purpose" always carries a negative connotation due to its implication of deceit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive intention

Focuses on the misleading nature of the intent.

misleading objective

Highlights the deceptive aspect of the goal.

ulterior motive

Suggests a hidden, often self-serving, reason.

hidden agenda

Implies a secret plan or goal.

insincere aim

Emphasizes the lack of genuineness in the goal.

sham motive

Highlights the fraudulent nature of the motivation.

pretext

A reason given that is not the real reason.

cover story

Indicates a fabricated explanation to conceal the truth.

disingenuous intent

Stresses the lack of honesty in the purpose.

contrived objective

Highlights the artificial and planned nature of the goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "false purpose" to describe a situation where someone is acting under a misleading or deceptive intention. For example: "The organization was accused of operating under a false purpose, masking its true intentions behind a facade of charity."

What are some alternatives to "false purpose"?

Some alternatives to "false purpose" include "deceptive intention", "misleading objective", or "ulterior motive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "false purpose" and "mistaken goal"?

"False purpose" implies intentional deception or misrepresentation, while "mistaken goal" simply suggests an error or misunderstanding. "False purpose" involves a deliberate attempt to mislead, while "mistaken goal" does not.

Is it always negative to have a "false purpose"?

Yes, the term "false purpose" always carries a negative connotation, as it implies a deliberate attempt to deceive or mislead. It suggests that the stated or apparent reason is not the true or genuine one.