general purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intended for a wide range of uses or applications, rather than a specific one. Example: "The software is designed for general purpose use, making it suitable for various tasks across different industries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

General purpose goats (the general purpose for goats is milk,mohair,and meat).

WikiHow

General purpose and scope.

Cornell University

(a)General purpose.

Cornell University

It has a general purpose.

The New York Times - Magazine

What does "general purpose" mean here?

The Guardian

The fourth is a general purpose telescope.

The Guardian

(3 Exception for general purpose governmental entities.

Cornell University

7 CFR § 271.1 - General purpose and scope.

Cornell University

At times, one wonders about Dahl's general purpose.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Special assessments are not for general purposes.

Los Angeles Times

Modern smartphones are general-purpose computers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing software or tools, use "general purpose" to emphasize their broad applicability across different tasks or industries. For instance: "This is a "general purpose" programming language suitable for web development, data science, and more."

Common error

Avoid using "general purpose" when a specific application or function is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "This "general purpose" tool is used for accounting", specify "This accounting software" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general purpose" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective, to describe a noun. It indicates that the noun is designed or suitable for a variety of uses or applications, rather than being limited to a specific task. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

26%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general purpose" is a versatile adjective used to describe something with broad utility across different fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common. Usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Alternatives such as "multi-purpose" and "all-purpose" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When employing "general purpose", ensure its application aligns with describing something truly versatile rather than a specialized item. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread use and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multi-purpose

This alternative emphasizes the multiple functions or uses something can serve, similar to being for "general purpose".

all-purpose

This alternative implies suitability for all or most uses, similar to the broad applicability of "general purpose".

versatile

This term highlights the adaptability and wide range of uses something possesses, akin to "general purpose".

widely applicable

This alternative directly states the broad range of application, similar to the function of "general purpose".

universal

This suggests broad applicability and suitability for various contexts, aligning with the meaning of "general purpose".

broad-spectrum

While often used in technical contexts, this phrase implies wide applicability, similar to "general purpose".

flexible

Highlights the ability to be used in various ways, similar to the versatility implied by "general purpose".

common

Suggests something is used for many things, akin to "general purpose".

standard

Implies a typical or widely accepted use, which can align with the meaning of "general purpose" in certain contexts.

conventional

Suggests something is frequently used, akin to "general purpose".

FAQs

How can I use "general purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "general purpose" to describe something designed for a wide range of uses, like a "general purpose" computer or a "general purpose" tool. For example, "This is a "general purpose" cleaner suitable for various surfaces."

What's the difference between "general purpose" and "all-purpose"?

While similar, "all-purpose" often implies suitability for every purpose, whereas "general purpose" suggests suitability for a wide range of purposes. The difference is one of degree.

What are some alternatives to "general purpose"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "multi-purpose", "versatile", or "widely applicable".

Is it redundant to say "general purpose application"?

While not strictly redundant, it can often be simplified. If the application's general nature is already understood, simply calling it an "application" may suffice. Otherwise, "general purpose application" clarifies that it's not designed for a specific task.