for the pleasure of it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the pleasure of it" is a legitimate phrase that can be utilized in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to emphasize the fact that someone is doing something purely for their own enjoyment and not because they have to. For example: "She runs five miles every day, not for any competitive reason, but purely for the pleasure of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

They destroy things – washing, children – for the pleasure of it.

The Guardian - Books

The boy was reaching out just for the pleasure of it — to see if he could.

The New Yorker

They would all drop in and do work just for the pleasure of it.

The New Yorker

I'd taken a degree for the pleasure of it, not as a vocation.

The Guardian - Opinion

They wear them for the pleasure of it, because it looks smart, elegant and, yes, dandyish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hubris consists in doing and saying things that cause shame to the victim…simply for the pleasure of it.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"You're doing it for the love of it, the pleasure of it.

The New York Times - Sports

So when they called and asked Pittsinger to play the role of Emile while Szot was on leave, he didn't hesitate -- even though it literally meant he had to pay for the pleasure of doing it.

Huffington Post

While watching the film, I wanted to transcribe the dialogue in real time for the pleasure of reading it afterward.

The New Yorker

Pasha Ponamarenko, 16, refers to "my mum" at least a dozen times in the conversation for the pleasure of saying it.

The Guardian

There is indeed a strong suspicion that Isocrates would lend his talents to any cause whatsoever, merely for the pleasure of presenting it well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the pleasure of it" to emphasize the intrinsic motivation behind an action, distinguishing it from actions motivated by obligation or reward.

Common error

Avoid using "for the pleasure of it" in formal or business writing where a more professional tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "out of professional interest" or "to further develop expertise" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the pleasure of it" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by explaining the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that the action is performed purely for enjoyment. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the pleasure of it" is a commonly used phrase that explains someone is doing something purely for their own enjoyment and not because they have to. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the legitimacy and widespread use of the phrase, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it might be too informal for strictly professional or academic settings. When aiming for clarity, consider synonyms like "for the joy of it" or "simply because". Remember to emphasize intrinsic motivation and the absence of ulterior motives when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the joy of it

Emphasizes the happiness derived from the activity.

for the thrill of it

Highlights the excitement and rush associated with the action.

for the fun of it

Focuses on the lighthearted and amusing nature of the activity.

simply because

Indicates a lack of ulterior motive, emphasizing pure volition.

out of amusement

Highlights the entertainment value of the activity.

just because

Stresses the absence of a practical reason.

for one's enjoyment

Highlights personal satisfaction derived from the action.

for kicks

Informal way to express doing something for excitement.

as a leisure pursuit

Frames the activity as a recreational hobby.

by choice

Highlights the voluntary nature of the activity.

FAQs

What does "for the pleasure of it" mean?

It means doing something purely for enjoyment, without any expectation of reward or necessity.

How can I use "for the pleasure of it" in a sentence?

You can say, "She paints landscapes, not for money, but "for the pleasure of it"".

What are some alternatives to "for the pleasure of it"?

You can use alternatives like "for the joy of it", "for the thrill of it", or "just because" depending on the context.

Is "for the pleasure of it" formal or informal?

It leans towards being neutral to informal but it is often perfectly appropriate for many contexts. In strictly formal situations, consider more precise alternatives.