legitimate aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a goal or purpose that is considered valid or justifiable, often in legal, ethical, or policy discussions. Example: "The organization has a legitimate aim of promoting human rights and social justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were "no wider than necessary to achieve the legitimate aim of protecting national security".

The Guardian

That is certainly a legitimate aim -- indeed a necessary aim of any alliance against terrorism.

The New York Times

"The wish to appeal to a prime-time audience, including younger viewers, is a legitimate aim.

The Guardian

"The wish to appeal to a primetime audience, including younger viewers, is a legitimate aim.

The Guardian

Protecting that legitimate aim did not require the administration to defend the indefensible.

The New York Times

The legitimate aim to respect the environment implies functional, clear and easily recycable vehicles.

Mécanique & Industries

The principles to which governments should adhere when conducting communications surveillance include having a legitimate aim, proportionality and user notification.

The Guardian

But this argument only works if conscription is a legitimate aim of government, and Schenck's pamphlet denied this.

The New York Times - Books

Such interferences can only be accepted if they are strictly necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim".

The Guardian

Again, it is hard to see what legitimate aim banning guide dogs from a property would serve.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We had to determine if the detention was proportionate to the legitimate aim of protecting the community.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical justifications, ensure you clearly articulate the "legitimate aim" to strengthen your argument. Provide specific details and context to demonstrate its validity.

Common error

Avoid justifying unethical actions by claiming they serve a "legitimate aim". Ensure the methods used to achieve the aim are also ethical and proportionate. A noble goal does not excuse harmful means.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate aim" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" modifies the noun "aim". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is to describe a goal or objective that is considered valid, justifiable, or lawful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate aim" is a noun phrase used to describe a valid, justifiable, or lawful goal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that not only is the aim legitimate, but also that the means of achieving it are ethical and proportionate. Alternatives like "valid objective" or "justifiable purpose" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Remember that having a "legitimate aim" does not automatically justify any action; proportionality and necessity are also crucial considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid objective

Replaces 'aim' with 'objective', emphasizing the goal's validity.

justifiable purpose

Substitutes both words, focusing on the purpose being justifiable.

lawful goal

Highlights the legality of the intended outcome.

permissible objective

Emphasizes that the objective is allowed or permitted.

acceptable aim

Focuses on the acceptability or approval of the aim.

warranted goal

Suggests the goal is justified or deserves the effort.

defensible purpose

Highlights that the purpose can be defended or justified.

valid intention

Shifts focus to the intention behind the action, emphasizing its validity.

justified ambition

Replaces 'aim' with 'ambition', emphasizing the ambition is justified.

reasonable objective

Highlights the rationality and reasonability of the objective.

FAQs

How can I use "legitimate aim" in a sentence?

You can use "legitimate aim" to describe a goal that is considered valid or justifiable, especially in legal or ethical contexts. For example, "The government's policy has a "legitimate aim" of protecting national security."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate aim"?

Alternatives to "legitimate aim" include "valid objective", "justifiable purpose", or "lawful goal". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In legal contexts, what makes an aim "legitimate"?

In legal contexts, a "legitimate aim" is one that is recognized and permitted under the law. It must be a goal that the government or another authority is allowed to pursue, and it must be consistent with fundamental rights and principles.

Is it always enough for an action to have a "legitimate aim"?

No, having a "legitimate aim" is not always enough. Even if an action pursues a valid goal, it must also be proportionate and necessary. This means that the action must be the least restrictive means of achieving the aim, and it must not have an excessive impact on individual rights or freedoms.