immediate purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

'immediate purpose' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific action that is designed to achieve an immediate goal. For example, "We need to take immediate purposeful action to ensure that our project meets its deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zeizel is training with an immediate purpose.

The New York Times - Sports

There has to be some more immediate purpose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having served their immediate purpose, they were routinely ripped down or posted over.

The Guardian

Their immediate purpose was to learn English and take flying lessons.

Independent

The immediate purpose of sex, as everyone knows, is to provide new combinations of well-tested genes.

The New York Times - Science

The agreement achieved its immediate purpose of putting an end to the bloodshed, but it froze its ethnic divisions in place.

The Guardian

I have all these mothering skills that I know will always be useful in my life, but their immediate purpose is no longer what they'll be used for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its immediate purpose was to demonstrate a united monolithic Nazi party in the wake of Hitler's 1934 murder of Ernst Röhm and his SA streetfighters.

The Guardian - Film

Its immediate purpose was to arrest the spread of slavery and, as he put it, to unseat the "privileged class" — Southern slaveholders, who still dominated the government.

The New Yorker

Michael Govan, the director of the museum, said in an interview on Thursday that the museum did not have an immediate purpose in mind for the land.

The New York Times

"Its first and immediate purpose was to rescue endangered banks; unfortunately, the really bad banks, so far nobody is interested in them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immediate purpose", ensure that the context clearly defines what makes the purpose 'immediate'. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate purpose" when describing long-term strategic objectives. Instead, reserve it for short-term, actionable goals that are directly achievable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate purpose" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It clarifies the reason or objective behind a specific action or event. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term in English, denoting the most pressing goal or intention behind a particular action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. While interchangeable with alternatives like "direct objective" or "primary intention", it's crucial to distinguish it from long-term objectives. Using "immediate purpose" accurately helps to provide clarity and focus, while avoiding its misuse ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct objective

Focuses on the straightforward and explicit nature of the goal.

primary intention

Emphasizes the main aim or motivation behind an action.

initial goal

Highlights the first objective to be achieved in a process.

short-term aim

Specifies a goal that is intended to be achieved in the near future.

present objective

Focuses on the objective that is relevant or important at the current time.

instant target

Highlights a goal that is intended to be achieved immediately or very quickly.

expedient aim

Emphasizes the practicality and efficiency of the goal.

pressing goal

Highlights the urgency and importance of the goal.

express intention

Emphasizes the clear and explicit nature of the intended goal.

chief motive

Stresses the primary reason or driving force behind an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "immediate purpose" to describe the most pressing goal or reason for an action. For example, "The "immediate purpose" of the meeting is to decide on budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "immediate purpose"?

Alternatives include "direct objective", "primary intention", or "initial goal", depending on the specific context.

Is "immediate purpose" formal or informal language?

"Immediate purpose" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might consider a synonym like ""primary intention"".

What is the difference between "immediate purpose" and "ultimate goal"?

"Immediate purpose" refers to a short-term objective, while "ultimate goal" describes a long-term aspiration. The "immediate purpose" is a step towards achieving the ultimate goal.