for vanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for vanity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are motivated by a desire for admiration or self-importance. Example: "She bought the expensive dress not for practicality, but for vanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

For vanity or to covet?

Independent

This isn't for vanity.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's too late for vanity.

The Guardian - Film

I got it for vanity reasons.

The Guardian - Money

"Sales are for vanity, profits are for sanity," said Clarke.

The Guardian - Business

(7) Left in the article solely for vanity purposes.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Previously worked for Vanity Fair Corp.

The New York Times

He was a lingerie designer for Vanity Fair Intimates.

The New York Times

Christopher Hitchens is a columnist and critic for Vanity Fair.

The Guardian - Books

I'm not sure it's the same thing with the party for Vanity Fair.

The New York Times

He supported himself by illustrating comic valentines and calisthenics books and by drawing for Vanity Fair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for vanity", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the action or motivation is driven by a desire for admiration or an inflated sense of self-importance.

Common error

Avoid using "for vanity" in situations that require a more nuanced or serious explanation. While it can be appropriate, consider whether a more specific term like "for self-esteem" or "to impress" would be more precise and avoid trivializing the motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for vanity" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It describes the motivation or reason behind an action, indicating that it is driven by a desire for admiration, self-importance, or superficial appearance. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for vanity" is a commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that an action is motivated by a desire for admiration or an inflated sense of self-importance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

While it is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and whether a more specific term might be more appropriate. Usage is most frequent in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Related phrases include "to impress others" and "for appearances' sake", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances and potential pitfalls can help writers use the phrase effectively and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to feed one's vanity

Directly addresses the act of satisfying one's feelings of excessive pride.

for show

Implies that something is done only to be seen or admired.

for superficial reasons

Highlights that the reason is based on shallow or external factors.

for appearances' sake

Highlights the importance of maintaining a certain outward image.

from a desire to be admired

Explicitly states the motivation as wanting to be admired by others.

to impress others

Focuses on the intention to create a favorable impression on other people.

for self-admiration

Focuses on the act of admiring oneself.

out of pride

Emphasizes the feeling of satisfaction in one's own achievements or qualities.

to boost one's ego

Specifically refers to actions taken to enhance self-esteem.

motivated by narcissism

Connects the action to a personality trait characterized by excessive self-interest.

FAQs

How can I use "for vanity" in a sentence?

You can use "for vanity" to describe actions motivated by a desire for admiration. For example, "She bought the expensive dress not for its practicality, but "for vanity"."

What's a more formal alternative to "for vanity"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "for the sake of appearances" or "to cultivate a particular image" instead of "for vanity".

Is it always negative to do something "for vanity"?

Not necessarily. While often implying superficiality, actions done "for vanity" can sometimes be harmless or even boost confidence. The context determines the connotation.

What's the difference between doing something "for vanity" versus doing it "for self-esteem"?

Doing something "for self-esteem" implies a genuine need to improve one's sense of worth, while doing it "for vanity" suggests a motivation based on superficial admiration and external validation.