multiple purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves more than one function or goal. Example: "The new software was designed with multiple purposes in mind, including data analysis, project management, and team collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The exhumation could serve multiple purposes.

The New York Times

Collect it once, and then use it for multiple purposes.

The Guardian

For Moscow, partnership with China serves multiple purposes.

The New York Times

The president's storytelling and joke-making served multiple purposes.

The New York Times

Social investment might be used for multiple purposes: growth, working capital, investing in assets.

The Guardian

And that, he said, is largely because in China fragrances serve multiple purposes.

The New York Times

What happened to the concept of a domed stadium that could be used for multiple purposes?

The New York Times

The building's spaces are pragmatic; only the lobby indulges in artistic flourishes, and even that space serves multiple purposes.

The New York Times

"It is for multiple purposes, and it has been successful for the community activities that take place there.

The New York Times

The expert said, however, that much of the equipment could be used for multiple purposes, some peaceful, some not.

The New York Times

For maximum versatility and efficiency, each fixture has been designed for multiple purposes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "multiple purposes", ensure that each purpose is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "multiple purposes" when only two purposes exist. In such cases, "dual purposes" is more accurate and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple purposes" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It describes the different aims, intentions, or uses that something has, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "multiple purposes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies that something serves more than one function or aim, appearing commonly in news, science, and business contexts. When writing, ensure each purpose is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "numerous purposes" or "several purposes" exist, "multiple purposes" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous purposes

Emphasizes a large quantity of purposes.

several purposes

Indicates more than two purposes, but not necessarily a large number.

various purposes

Highlights the diversity of the purposes.

multiple objectives

Specifically refers to intended goals or outcomes.

manifold purposes

Implies that the purposes are varied and complex.

diverse uses

Focuses on the variety of applications rather than intentions.

varied functions

Shifts the focus to the actions or operations performed.

many uses

A more general way of expressing the same idea.

dual purposes

Indicates exactly two purposes.

myriad uses

Suggests an extremely large number of uses, potentially more than "multiple purposes".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "multiple purposes"?

You can use alternatives like "numerous purposes", "several purposes", or "various purposes" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a multiple purpose" instead of "multiple purposes"?

No, "a multiple purpose" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "multiple purposes", which indicates more than one purpose. You might use "multi-purpose" as an adjective, such as in "a multi-purpose tool".

How do I effectively use "multiple purposes" in a sentence?

When using "multiple purposes", be specific about what those purposes are. For example, instead of saying "The device serves multiple purposes", specify "The device serves multiple purposes, including communication, navigation and entertainment".

What is the difference between "multiple purposes" and "various functions"?

"Multiple purposes" refers to the intended aims or goals, while "various functions" refers to the actions or operations something performs. You might say a tool has "multiple purposes" (e.g., fixing and measuring) and performs "various functions" (e.g., tightening screws and drawing lines).