in the name of development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the name of development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to justify actions or decisions that are taken for the purpose of promoting or advancing development. Example: "Many policies have been implemented in the name of development, but they often overlook the needs of local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It is not just governments that violate rights in the name of development.

The Guardian

Yet so often tribal lands are exploited, in the name of "development" and "progress", for their natural resources.

The Guardian - Travel

"In the name of development they want to turn us into a minority in our own land".

The Guardian

"Its demolition in the name of development is a denial of the historical facts that it so clearly portrays.

Independent

Highways were built, and Brazilians were offered incentives to conquer the land in the Amazon and transform it in the name of development.

The New York Times

HRW urged international donors to make sure that they are not providing support for forced displacement or facilitating rights violations in the name of development.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Jeffrey Liebman, a Harvard University professor who is providing technical assistance on all three, has just invited applications from other state and local governments to receive help setting up SIBs: 28 applied.And there is rising emerging-market interest in SIBs, where they go under the name of "development-impact bonds".

The Economist

In the name of economic development the Empire State Development Corp., a state agency, has condemned 11 properties housing dozens of small businesses and is handing the land over to the New York Times Co. and a private developer.

Forbes

Eminent domain is still routinely abused in New York, often justified in the name of economic development.

The New York Times

Many terrible regimes have come to power the world over in the name of economic development.

The New York Times

The city of Montgomery has come to embrace Stevenson's plans, in the name of economic development.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce your claims, research the sources, assess any biases or conflicts of interest of the parties involved and verify if the claimed benefits are not simply wishful thinking, but are indeed quantifiable and realistic.

Common error

Avoid using "in the name of development" simply as a descriptive phrase. Instead, use it deliberately to highlight potential ethical or social trade-offs, especially when powerful entities invoke development to legitimize controversial actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the name of development" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, providing a reason or justification for an action. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the name of development" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase commonly used to justify actions aimed at progress or modernization. However, as revealed by Ludwig, its usage frequently carries a critical undertone, highlighting potential ethical or social trade-offs. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, suggesting its relevance in discussions about current events and global issues. To ensure effective communication, writers should use this phrase thoughtfully, acknowledging the complexities and potential negative consequences associated with actions undertaken under the banner of development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the guise of progress

Focuses on the deceptive aspect, suggesting that development is used as a cover for other agendas.

under the banner of progress

Highlights that development is used as a cover for other agendas.

under the pretense of development

Highlights the deceptive aspect, suggesting that development is used as a cover for other agendas.

in the pursuit of advancement

Highlights the active seeking of progress, potentially overlooking negative impacts.

for the sake of modernization

Specifically ties the action to the goal of becoming more modern, with possible disregard for tradition.

ostensibly for growth

Emphasizes the surface-level reason of growth, implying a hidden or different true motive.

purportedly for improvement

Questions the genuine intention of enhancing or bettering something.

supposedly for expansion

Indicates skepticism about whether actions are actually intended to enlarge or extend something.

ostensibly to develop

Similar to "ostensibly for growth", questioning the true intention.

for the expressed purpose of developing

Emphasizes the stated intention, potentially contrasting it with the actual outcome.

FAQs

What does "in the name of development" imply?

It often suggests that actions are being justified by appeals to progress, even if those actions have negative consequences, particularly for marginalized communities.

How can I use "in the name of development" in a sentence?

You might say, "Tribal lands are frequently exploited "in the name of development", disregarding the rights and cultural heritage of indigenous people."

What are some alternatives to "in the name of development"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "under the guise of progress", "for the sake of modernization", or "ostensibly for growth".

Is "in the name of development" always negative?

Not necessarily, but it often carries a critical connotation, suggesting that the stated goal of development may be masking other, less noble motives or unintended consequences.