fixed purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixed purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific, unchanging goal or intention that someone has in mind. Example: "The organization was founded with a fixed purpose of promoting environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Later he would say more harshly that Charley had inherited from his mother "an indescribable lassitude of character" and that "I think he has less fixed purpose and energy than I could have supposed possible in my son".

The New York Times - Books

With this compliance, the child takes on a life of desire and incompletion, pursuing lost objects with no firm ground or fixed purpose, a lack of plenitude in being that Lacan designates as castration.

SEP

In "Severn Song", Gross focuses largely on the languid river, whereas here he reminds us that the Severn has forty foot tides, and strong bore – "these grand tides like a lesson in bad governance, all power…" In a wonderful touch, he mocks their lack of a "fixed purpose", likening them to God dithering.

The Guardian - Books

The centerpiece in the main gallery is "Calling Four Towers Signal Drifting With No Fixed Purpose," a dazzling all-blue, all-steel hanging piece 20 feet wide, whose sketchy architectural elements are also hieroglyphic figures waving at one another across expanses of letter fragments.

The New York Times

Being an academic paper with a fixed purpose, however, it doesn't ascend to the higher-level issues brought up by the practice — nor does it need to, those things being outside the scope of the research.

TechCrunch

Movable/recycled materials with no fixed purpose were introduced to a grass field in a brand new Catholic primary school from the end of term 1 to the middle of term 2 (after 7-weeks: post-test) and continued to be introduced until the end of term 2 during Autumn and Winter in 2010.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

QCPU makes it possible to implement universal quantum computation with a fixed, general purpose hardware.

Physics Letters A

With other parameters fixed, the purpose of simulation II was to test the effect of varying the number of taxa.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We need to think past fixed, single-purpose infrastructure and focus on dynamic, real-time digital infrastructure that can change as people and cities change.

TechCrunch

A different issue about maximizing rationality concerns the set of desires or aims that is taken as fixed for purposes of applying the requirement of maximization.

SEP

Symphony boards tend toward successful businesspeople admirably devoted to keeping orchestras fiscally afloat but who, with little knowledge of music or real interest in it, have no capacity to fix a purpose or a path.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fixed purpose", ensure the context clearly indicates the immutability or unwavering nature of the goal. This strengthens the impact of your statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fixed purpose" when the intent is merely to describe a clear purpose. "Fixed" implies rigidity and an unwillingness to deviate, which may not always be the intended meaning. In scenarios where adaptability or flexibility are important, consider using alternative phrases such as "clear objective" or "defined goal" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixed purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. It describes the inherent quality or intention of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fixed purpose" describes an unwavering and unchangeable intention or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts. While it is appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to understand its connotation of rigidity and immutability to prevent misuse. When a sense of flexibility and adaptability is intended, alternative phrases like "clear objective" or "specific goal" may be more suitable. Although the frequency of "fixed purpose" is uncommon, being aware of its implications will help ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set purpose

Replaces 'fixed' with 'set', implying a determined but potentially adjustable objective.

definite aim

Substitutes both words, focusing on a clear and specific goal rather than unwavering intent.

clear objective

Emphasizes the clarity of the goal, downplaying the aspect of unchangeability.

firm intention

Switches to 'intention', suggesting a mental resolve, and 'firm', highlighting its strength.

determined goal

Uses 'determined' instead of 'fixed', stressing resolve in achieving the goal.

unwavering aim

Highlights the steadfast nature of the aim, focusing on its resistance to change.

resolute objective

Emphasizes the decisiveness and determination behind the objective.

specific goal

Highlights the detail and precision associated with a goal.

single-mindedness

Focuses on the dedication and lack of distraction in pursuing a goal.

dedicated objective

Stresses the commitment and focus applied towards achieving the objective.

FAQs

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

You can use "fixed purpose" to describe someone's unwavering determination or a company's unchangeable mission, for example, "The organization was founded with a "fixed purpose" of promoting education in rural areas".

What's the difference between "fixed purpose" and "determined goal"?

"Fixed purpose" suggests an unchangeable aim, while "determined goal" implies strong resolve in achieving an objective, even if the objective itself might be adjusted along the way.

What can I say instead of "fixed purpose"?

Alternatives to "fixed purpose" include "set purpose", "definite aim", or "clear objective", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fixed purpose" in formal writing?

Yes, "fixed purpose" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey a sense of unwavering commitment and an unchangeable objective. However, ensure that this aligns with the actual situation; otherwise, using alternatives like "specific goal" might be more suitable.