for what end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for what end" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the purpose or goal of an action or situation. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, I need to ask for what end we are making these changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But for what end?

The New York Times

A hideous political game: for what end?

The Guardian

Say for what end, that I may serve thee, lady.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The U.S. is taking a big risk, to say the least, by turning to austerity policies, and for what end?

The New Yorker

It's as though Bolaño wanted people to labor over it, to praise it, to parse it, to cite it, to puzzle it, and for what end?

The New Yorker

The question of who is driving that change and for what end is, unfortunately, also a problem for many other companies today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We are to blame" for what ends up on screen, Mr. Lee said.

The New York Times - Arts

The Area is designed to prepare scholars and practitioners to address a number of fundamental educational questions: what should be taught, to whom, for what ends?

Stanford University

It's after this that things change; she took the song on the road with her band and they came up with a blueprint for what ended up on her record.

The New York Times

Indeed, Salman, who attended the University of California-Irvine, was in New York in June when Point Given captured the Belmont Stakes, as well as in Saratoga Springs for what ended up being the colt's final race, a victory in the Travers.

The New York Times - Sports

When Outlaw took Bryant to take the ACT for what ended up being his third and final time, he said Bryant told him before getting out of the car, "When you come pick me up, I'm going to Oklahoma State".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for what end", ensure the context clearly implies a critical assessment or questioning of the purpose, rather than a neutral inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "for what end" in situations where a simple "why" or "what for" would suffice. This phrase is better suited for more profound or critical examinations of purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for what end" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase, questioning the purpose or ultimate goal of an action, decision, or situation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use in prompting a deeper examination of motives and objectives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for what end" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for questioning the purpose or goal of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and relevance, particularly in news media, academic, and scientific contexts. While "for what end" is less frequent than simpler alternatives like "why", it adds a layer of critical inquiry and is best suited for scenarios demanding a thorough evaluation of motives. Remember to consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for what purpose

Direct synonym, focusing on the reason or intention behind an action.

to what end

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more literary or rhetorical tone.

for what reason

Similar to "for what purpose" but can sometimes imply a need for justification.

what is the goal

More direct and plain, suitable for informal contexts.

what is the aim

Focuses on the specific objective being pursued.

what's the point

More colloquial and often used to express skepticism or frustration.

what is the objective

Emphasizes a specific, measurable outcome.

what is the intention

Highlights the underlying motive or desire.

what's the reason

Asks for the justification behind a decision or action.

why bother

Expresses a sense of futility or lack of motivation.

FAQs

What does "for what end" mean?

The phrase "for what end" questions the purpose or goal of something. It's used to ask why something is being done or what the intended outcome is.

How can I use "for what end" in a sentence?

You can use "for what end" to challenge the reasoning behind an action, such as: "They invested millions in this project, but "to what end"?".

What are some alternatives to "for what end"?

Alternatives include "for what purpose", "what is the goal", or "why bother", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "for what end" formal or informal?

"For what end" is generally considered more formal and rhetorical than a simple "why". It's often used in writing or speeches where a more critical or reflective tone is appropriate.