great purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant or noble goals or intentions behind actions or projects. Example: "The organization was founded with great purposes in mind, aiming to improve the lives of those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I believe the presidency, the final point of decision in the American government, was made for great purposes.

The New York Times

We need a new kind of politics equal to the challenges we face and the great purposes we wish to advance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The items in this Budget covering programs directly related to human improvement and the reduction of mass poverty and deprivation allocate far too small a portion of our total national production to these great purposes.

The New Yorker

"I have always thought that one of the great purposes of public art is to act as a vehicle for people to have an excuse to talk to each other," Mr. Otterness said.

The New York Times

Appearing on a giant screen, he applauded his wife's speech, and said, "I can't wait to stand before you on Thursday night and tell America how I want to use these good times for great purposes".

The New York Times

We cannot let the great purposes of the Democratic Party become the bygone passages of history..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Informally but with great purpose.

The New York Times - Magazine

So much promise, to no great purpose.

The New York Times

"The building has served a great purpose," he said.

The New York Times

Some works are reconfigured to no great purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

"There are some places where these stores serve a great purpose," Mr. Kaiman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "great purposes" with verbs that convey action and impact, such as "advance", "achieve", or "dedicate to", to create a stronger and more compelling statement.

Common error

While "great purposes" is grammatically sound, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "good intentions" or "important goals" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great purposes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "great" modifies the noun "purposes". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great purposes" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase used to denote significant and impactful goals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds appropriate use across news, media, and scientific domains. It is important to consider the register and context to avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "noble aims" or "significant goals" may suit different nuances. Using "great purposes" effectively can elevate your writing, emphasizing the importance of the stated objectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noble aims

Replaces "great" with "noble", emphasizing the moral quality of the purposes.

significant goals

Substitutes "purposes" with "goals", focusing on the desired outcome.

important objectives

Replaces "great purposes" with "important objectives", highlighting the importance and target of those purposes.

grand designs

Emphasizes the ambitious and comprehensive nature of the purposes.

lofty ambitions

Focuses on the aspirational aspect of the purposes, suggesting high ideals.

profound intentions

Replaces "great" with "profound", emphasizing the depth and significance of the intentions.

major undertakings

Shifts the focus to the projects or activities undertaken to achieve the purposes.

ambitious endeavors

Highlights the challenging and effortful nature of the activities related to the purposes.

worthwhile pursuits

Focuses on the value and merit of the activities, emphasizing their benefit.

meaningful objectives

Replaces "great" with "meaningful", highlighting the importance for people to be happy and satisfied.

FAQs

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

You can use "great purposes" to describe the motivations behind actions or projects. For example: "The organization was founded with "great purposes" in mind, aiming to improve the lives of those in need."

What are some alternatives to "great purposes"?

Alternatives include phrases like "noble aims", "significant goals", or "important objectives", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great purposes" in formal writing?

Yes, "great purposes" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant or ambitious goals. It conveys a sense of importance and dedication.

What is the difference between "great purposes" and "good intentions"?

"Great purposes" implies a more significant and impactful goal than "good intentions", which can refer to smaller, more personal motivations. "Great purposes" often relates to broader societal or organizational goals.