for the mere purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the mere purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done solely for a specific reason or intention, often implying that the reason is trivial or insignificant. Example: "He attended the meeting for the mere purpose of collecting his paycheck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If hipsters are supporting small businesses for the mere purpose of instagram decoration, what of it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And what he actually said on the spur of the moment to Bishop Wilberforce, comparing a "miserable ape" favourably to a powerful and brilliant man who used his gifts "for the mere purpose of introducing ridicule into a scientific discussion", is funnier and sharper than the monkey-bishop joke to which it has been reduced.

The Guardian - Books

It is possible that a few users want to share their knowledge with others, whereas others are doing this for the mere purpose of gaining reputation points.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Therefore, the number (3 days) was chosen to be sure that a user is taking time to find the question, and is posting an answer on his/her website for the mere purpose of promotion.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Skateboardinghe best of VisE, delivered to your inbox danly.

Vice

Much has been made of the limits of the story Packer's insistence on being driven all the way across town in the midst of horribly gridlocked traffic for the mere purpose of a haircut.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

For that purpose, we need to introduce accurate notation, unfortunately a bit more involved than needed for the mere description of the algorithmic steps.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

You might regard Cloverfield as cynically distasteful, since it's essentially a symbolic re-enactment of 9/11 for the purpose of mere thrills.

Independent

For the merest moment, he looks confused.

The Guardian

This is because reviewers sometimes use this term to suggest that the "clone" is a mere imitation, designed for the sole purpose of capitalizing on the success of the Grand Theft Auto series.

Wikipedia

The choice of testing the concentration of 10 ng ml−1 as a potential prognostic discriminant was made for mere illustrative purposes (the analysis of Table 3 does not indicate any distinct threshold level as most suitable for clinical use, but suggests that the prognostic value of postoperative CEA is more probably related to the whole distribution of its levels).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the mere purpose" to highlight that an action is done with a surprisingly limited or perhaps trivial intention. This can add emphasis or a critical tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for the mere purpose" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes come across as overly critical or dismissive. Opt for a more neutral phrasing if the intention is not to express disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the mere purpose" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It emphasizes that the action is carried out solely for a specific, often seemingly insignificant or trivial, reason. For example, 'He went there for the mere purpose of...' describes the limited scope of his intention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the mere purpose" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that an action is performed solely for a specific reason, often implying that the reason is trivial or insufficient. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase appears in diverse sources such as news, science, and general writing. It's best used when you want to emphasize the limited scope or perhaps criticize the underwhelming motivation behind an action. Alternatives like ""solely for the purpose"" or ""simply for the purpose"" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely for the purpose

Emphasizes that the purpose is the only reason for the action, similar to the original phrase.

simply for the purpose

Indicates the action is done for a basic or uncomplicated reason.

just for the purpose

Suggests the reason is limited and perhaps not very important.

only for the purpose

Highlights the exclusivity of the reason behind the action.

merely for the reason

Focuses on the insignificance of the reason itself.

purely for the reason

Indicates that the reason is unmixed or untainted by other factors.

exclusively for the intention

Stresses that the intention is the only motivating factor.

specifically for the aim

Highlights a particular aim or goal as the reason.

uniquely for the rationale

Implies that the rationale is the single, distinct reason.

particularly for the object

Suggests a specific object or goal is the motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "for the mere purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "for the mere purpose" to indicate that something is done only and specifically for a particular, often trivial, reason. For example, "He attended the meeting "for the mere purpose" of collecting his paycheck."

What are some alternatives to "for the mere purpose"?

Alternatives include "solely for the purpose", "simply for the purpose", or "just for the purpose" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "for the mere reason" instead of "for the mere purpose"?

While "reason" and "purpose" can be related, using "for the mere reason" is less common and may sound awkward. "For the mere purpose" specifically highlights the intention or aim behind an action.

What's the difference between "for the sole purpose" and "for the mere purpose"?

"For the sole purpose" emphasizes that there is only one reason or intention, whereas "for the mere purpose" suggests that the reason is trivial or perhaps inadequate.