for the purpose of

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the purpose of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to explain why something is done or to introduce a specific goal, plan, or action. For example, "He took the class in order to improve his communication skills for the purpose of getting a better job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

for the purpose of committing..

Cornell University

It's for the purpose of healing".

The New York Times

It's not for the purpose of selling.

The New York Times

"Was it for the purpose of obtaining a trading advantage?

The New York Times

"We're not here for the purpose of trying the F.B.I".

The New York Times

"It was for the purpose of example," Ms. Buchan said.

The New York Times

Money was requested for the purpose of performing an exorcism.

The New Yorker

For the purpose of this exercise, they do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that doesn't matter for the purpose of this argument.

The Guardian - Sport

"Children," for the purpose of this article, means preschool children.

The New York Times

"That kind of racing is not for the purpose of fishing, not for the purpose of peace".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the purpose of", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates the intended outcome or goal. Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase close to the action it modifies.

Common error

Do not use "for the purpose of" when a simpler preposition like "for" or "to" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the purpose of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or intention behind an action or object. It clarifies the objective or goal that something is meant to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the purpose of" is a versatile phrase used to explicitly state the intention or goal behind an action or object. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While simpler alternatives exist, "for the purpose of" provides a level of clarity that is often necessary in formal communication. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding redundancy and ensuring the sentence structure clearly conveys the intended meaning. The frequency and variety of sources that employ this phrase solidify its place as a standard element in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the aim of

Focuses on the intended goal or outcome, slightly more formal.

with the intention of

Highlights the deliberate planning or motivation behind an action.

in order to

Indicates intention, simpler and more direct.

in an effort to

Highlights the attempt or endeavor made to achieve a goal.

so as to

Emphasizes the result or consequence of an action.

to that end

Directly relates to a previously stated goal or objective.

for the sake of

Emphasizes a reason or benefit, often implying a sacrifice or compromise.

with a view to

British English, focusing on future consideration or planning.

to the end that

Formal and literary, expressing a desired result.

on account of

Indicates a reason or justification, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "for the purpose of" to clearly state the intention or reason behind an action. For example, "The meeting was called "with the aim of" resolving the ongoing dispute".

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in order to", "with the aim of", or "so as to" as alternatives to "for the purpose of". Each option offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it always necessary to use "for the purpose of", or can I use a simpler phrase?

In many cases, simpler prepositions like "for" or "to" can replace "for the purpose of" without losing clarity. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "for the purpose of" and "for the sake of"?

"For the purpose of" indicates a specific goal or intention, while "for the sake of" implies a reason or benefit, often involving a sacrifice or compromise. They are not always interchangeable.