legitimate purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate purpose" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you need to specify that a reason or intention is valid or justifiable. For example, "The data was collected for a legitimate purpose, ensuring compliance with privacy laws." Alternative expressions include "valid reason" and "justifiable aim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is absolutely no legitimate purpose for doing this.

The New York Times

It's not that all the ads lack a legitimate purpose.

The New Yorker

"This was a weapon, with no legitimate purpose.

The Guardian

Some may bridle at the apocalyptic scenarios he raises but these often serve a legitimate purpose.

The Economist

And I have a legitimate purpose: I'm paid to keep watch.

The New York Times

"Zero tolerance has a purpose, a legitimate purpose, but they're abusing it right now," he said.

The New York Times

The term "for a legitimate purpose" was open to interpretation, she added.

The New York Times

The action has nothing to do with prison security or any other legitimate purpose.

The Guardian - Books

Many kettles appear to ignore the requirement that they be imposed for a legitimate purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Any Australians who are currently in Al-Raqqa province without legitimate purpose should leave immediately.

The Guardian

The law's purpose is to ensure that disclosure is for a legitimate purpose.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate purpose", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the purpose legitimate. Providing specific details enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience understands what constitutes a "legitimate purpose" in your specific context. Clearly articulate the criteria or standards that define legitimacy to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" modifies "purpose". It commonly appears as the object of a preposition (e.g., "for a legitimate purpose") or as part of a larger noun phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate purpose" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express a valid or justifiable reason for something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in various written contexts. It is frequently found in news, academic, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define what constitutes a "legitimate purpose" in the specific context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "valid reason" and "justifiable aim".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reason

Focuses on the justification for an action or decision.

justifiable aim

Emphasizes the defensible or warrantable nature of a goal.

lawful objective

Highlights adherence to legal standards.

bona fide intention

Indicates sincerity and good faith in one's plan.

acceptable rationale

Suggests a reason that is considered satisfactory or permissible.

permissible motive

Implies that the driving force is allowed or authorized.

authorized cause

Highlights that the reason is officially approved or sanctioned.

defensible ground

Emphasizes the ability to argue in favor of the reason.

warranted justification

Stresses that the reason is deserved or merited.

proper motivation

Focuses on the appropriateness and ethicality of the underlying drive.

FAQs

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

Use "legitimate purpose" to describe a valid or justifiable reason for an action or decision. For example, "The government's surveillance program must have a "legitimate purpose" to respect civil liberties."

What's a good alternative to "legitimate purpose"?

Alternatives include "valid reason", "justifiable aim", or "lawful objective". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very legitimate purpose"?

While "legitimate" already implies validity, adding "very" can emphasize the strength or importance of the purpose. However, consider whether a more specific adjective would be more effective.

What distinguishes a "legitimate purpose" from a "political purpose"?

A "legitimate purpose" suggests inherent validity or justification, while a "political purpose" implies a connection to achieving a specific political outcome, which may or may not be inherently legitimate.