good purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to intentions or goals that are considered beneficial or positive. Example: "The charity was established to support good purposes, such as education and healthcare for underprivileged communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

If those dollars are used for good purposes.

The New York Times

A conductor serves many good purposes, and Kertesz and Haitink are among the better examples.

The New York Times - Arts

"It served a purpose, and hopefully part of it served good purposes.

The New York Times - Sports

Stead demonstrated that the techniques can be used for both good purposes and bad.

The Guardian - Books

Every technology can, of course, be used for evil or good purposes.

The New York Times

But they may be useful, for good purposes as for bad.Yet such figures are rare.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It serves a good purpose to have them separated".

The New York Times

Here is a good purpose for the six-party forum.

The Economist

I've learnt to channel that for good purpose.

Independent

Those parks will be used for some good purpose.

The New York Times

Introspection, even narcissism, may be turned to good purpose.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivations or aims, use "good purposes" to clearly convey that these intentions are morally sound and beneficial. For example, "The funds raised will be used for "good purposes", such as supporting education and healthcare."

Common error

While "good purposes" is acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal contexts. Use more specific and descriptive language to add clarity and sophistication to your writing. Instead of just saying ""good purposes"", detail the specific objectives you intend to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good purposes" functions as a noun phrase, where "good" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "purposes". According to Ludwig, this phrase denotes intentions or objectives that are considered morally right, beneficial, or advantageous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good purposes" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe intentions or goals that are morally sound and beneficial. As Ludwig AI indicates, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and general informational contexts, displaying a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. For enhanced clarity and precision, consider using alternatives such as "noble aims" or "worthy goals", particularly in formal writing. By understanding its usage and context, writers can effectively convey the ethical nature of their intended actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noble aims

Replaces "purposes" with a more elevated term, suggesting high moral value.

worthy goals

Substitutes "purposes" with "goals", emphasizing the value and importance of the objectives.

admirable intentions

Replaces "purposes" with "intentions" and "good" with "admirable", highlighting the praiseworthy nature of the underlying motives.

positive objectives

Replaces "good" with "positive", focusing on the beneficial outcomes.

altruistic motives

Substitutes both "good" and "purposes" to emphasize selfless and benevolent motivations.

beneficial reasons

Replaces "purposes" with "reasons", focusing on the advantageous or helpful aspects.

constructive ends

Replaces "purposes" with "ends", emphasizing positive and helpful outcomes.

favorable designs

Replaces "purposes" with "designs", referring to intentions that bring a positive outcome.

virtuous pursuits

Replaces "good" and "purposes" to emphasize moral excellence and diligent efforts.

ethical endeavors

Replaces "good" and "purposes" to emphasizes moral and diligent efforts.

FAQs

How can I use "good purposes" in a sentence?

You can use "good purposes" to describe the beneficial intentions behind an action or decision. For example, "The organization was founded to allocate resources to "good purposes", like environmental conservation and poverty alleviation."

What are some alternatives to saying "good purposes"?

Alternatives include phrases like "noble aims", "worthy goals", or "admirable intentions", which can add variety and nuance to your writing.

Is it redundant to say "very good purposes"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to ""good purposes"" can be redundant. The term "good" already implies a positive intention, so intensifying it may not add significant value. Consider using a stronger adjective if you want to emphasize the intention further.

What's the difference between "good purpose" and "good purposes"?

"Good purpose" refers to a single, specific beneficial reason or aim. "Good purposes", on the other hand, refers to multiple beneficial reasons or aims. For example, "The donation served a good purpose: feeding the hungry," versus "The donations served "good purposes": providing food, shelter, and medical care."