for certain purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for certain purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying particular reasons or objectives for which something is intended or applicable. Example: "The software can be used for certain purposes, such as data analysis and reporting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moreover, the hospitals can boost those numbers to 88 and 30 for certain purposes.

The New York Times

I think non governmental institutions are today better than governmental institutions for certain purposes.

The Guardian

Every spot on that list is precious, but certain slots are earmarked for certain purposes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hate is destructive, yes, but it is a productive kind of destructiveness that some try to harness for certain purposes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The money from the sale of land is called "bitter money" and cannot be used for certain purposes.

The New Yorker

In its political sense confederacy has generally come to mean rather a temporary league of independent states for certain purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, while I was writing a chapter of the book it began to dawn on me that for certain purposes the Perceptron was actually very good.

The New Yorker

Over the years, the party of Seward became the party of Theodore Roosevelt, Fiorello LaGuardia, Thomas E. Dewey, Nelson Rockefeller, Jacob Javits, John Lindsay, and (for certain purposes) Michael Bloomberg.

The New Yorker

In the long run, such attempts never succeed in preventing or reversing change; at best they preserve collaterally supposedly purer forms and styles for certain purposes and in certain contexts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The relatively new Roth I.R.A.'s are especially costly because, in contrast to conventional pension programs, the proceeds are not taxed at all when withdrawn if they are used for certain purposes, like putting down a deposit to buy a house.

The New York Times

For when you see that people whom you trusted, whom the government trusted after all and allocated huge funds for certain purposes, and they are used, mildly speaking, not for the purpose they were allocated for, well how can you treat such a person?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for certain purposes", ensure that the specific purposes are either clearly stated nearby or are readily understood from the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "for certain purposes" as a placeholder without ever specifying what those purposes are. This can make your writing seem evasive or incomplete. Provide specific examples or explanations to give the phrase substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for certain purposes" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the conditions or reasons under which an action or statement is valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for certain purposes" is a versatile and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify the limited applicability of a statement or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic writing. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the "certain purposes" are either explicitly stated or easily inferred to maintain clarity. While alternatives like "for specific reasons" or "for particular aims" exist, "for certain purposes" offers a unique nuance that can enhance the precision of your writing. Failing to clarify these purposes can lead to vagueness, which should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for various purposes

Focuses on the multiplicity or diversity of purposes.

for particular purposes

Emphasizes the distinctiveness or specificity of the purposes.

for specified purposes

Indicates that the purposes have been explicitly stated or detailed.

for targeted purposes

Highlights the intentional and specific aiming of the purposes.

for precise purposes

Stresses the accuracy and exactness required for the purposes.

for definite purposes

Indicates that the purposes are clearly defined and not vague.

for certain missions

Replaces 'purposes' with 'missions', implying specific tasks or assignments.

for certain requirements

Substitutes 'purposes' with 'requirements', focusing on needs or conditions that must be met.

for individual purposes

Highlights that the purposes are specific to each person or entity.

for certain occasions

Replaces 'purposes' with 'occasions', indicating specific events or instances.

FAQs

How can I use "for certain purposes" in a sentence?

Use "for certain purposes" to indicate that something is applicable or intended only in specific situations or for particular reasons. For instance, "This tool is designed "for certain purposes", such as data analysis and reporting".

What are some alternatives to saying "for certain purposes"?

You can use alternatives like "for specific reasons", "for particular aims", or "for targeted applications" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "for certain purposes"?

While "for certain purposes" is grammatically correct, being more specific usually enhances clarity. Instead of "The funds are allocated "for certain purposes"", specifying "The funds are allocated for educational programs and infrastructure development" provides greater transparency.

Can "for certain purposes" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "for certain purposes" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context makes the 'certain purposes' clear. In less formal contexts, you might opt for simpler alternatives, but in legal or technical documents, "for certain purposes" can provide necessary nuance.