for a greater

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a greater" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a larger purpose, cause, or benefit that is being pursued or considered. Example: "We are making sacrifices for a greater good, aiming to improve the community as a whole."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a greater good.

The Guardian - Books

I hope it's for a greater good".

The New York Times

Frankly, they are not doing it for a greater Afghanistan.

The Guardian

"That calls for a greater emphasis on defending".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a sacrifice she made for a greater good".

The New York Times

All that tearing apart was, indeed, for a greater good.

The Guardian

People see in them a vision for a greater future.

The Guardian - Business

How we can use its energy for a greater cause.

University of California, Berkeley

Isis could not have asked for a greater megaphone.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It did imply the need for a greater urgency".

The New York Times

Their concerns have spurred calls for a greater voice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a greater", ensure the context clearly defines what that 'greater' thing is. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "for a greater" when a simpler, more direct explanation would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a greater" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It introduces the reason or purpose behind an action, suggesting that the action is performed to achieve something more significant or extensive. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a greater" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to justify actions by linking them to a larger purpose. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, ranging from news and academic articles to everyday conversations. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring clarity and avoiding unnecessary complexity. By considering the context and ethical implications, you can effectively leverage "for a greater" to convey meaningful intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a more significant

Emphasizes the increased importance or impact of something.

toward a larger

Highlights movement or direction towards something bigger or more extensive.

in pursuit of a grander

Focuses on the active seeking of something more ambitious or impressive.

with an aim for a higher

Highlights the intention to achieve something superior or elevated.

for a more substantial

Emphasizes the increased solidity, reality, or importance of something.

to achieve a more expansive

Highlights the goal of attaining something more comprehensive or widespread.

in the interest of a broader

Focuses on acting in the benefit of a more inclusive or wider scope.

for the sake of a more profound

Emphasizes acting for the benefit of something deeper or more insightful.

with a view to a more extensive

Highlights the intention to achieve something more far-reaching or comprehensive.

for a superior

Simply indicates striving for something better.

FAQs

How can I use "for a greater good" in a sentence?

You can use "for a greater good" to indicate that an action or decision is made to benefit a larger group or cause, even if it involves personal sacrifice. For example: "She volunteered her time "for a greater good", helping those less fortunate."

What are some alternatives to "for a greater cause"?

Alternatives include "for a nobler purpose", "to serve a larger goal", or "in the interest of something bigger", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "for a greater" when justifying a difficult decision?

While "for a greater" suggests a positive intention, it's crucial to consider the ethical implications of the decision. Ensure that the 'greater' outcome truly outweighs any negative consequences, and be prepared to justify your reasoning.

What's the difference between "for a greater" and "for the greatest"?

"For a greater" implies a comparison, suggesting something is being done for a larger or more significant purpose than what currently exists. "For the greatest" suggests aiming for the highest possible level of achievement or benefit. The choice depends on whether you're comparing or aiming for the absolute best.