murky purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murky purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe intentions or goals that are unclear, ambiguous, or potentially deceitful. Example: "The organization was criticized for its murky purposes, leading many to question its true motives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In mid-October, Walter, our two-dogs-long, half-a-dog-high genetic smorgasbord (as far as we can tell, he's part corgi and part something long and low) was happily chewing on a heavy leather and Velcro weightlifting glove he had appropriated for his own murky purposes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

or (most relevant to Godard's murky polemical purposes) "Schindler's List," but rather a familiar straw man who goes, and not only in France, by the same name.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it does get legally murky if the purpose of the map is to inspire others to real-world action.

Vice

Yet their purpose feels murky.

The New York Times - Books

WORST: Design is murky.

Forbes

But the circumstances and the purpose of the payment remain murky and have prompted a tax evasion investigation by German authorities.

The Guardian - Sport

It also shows how the outsourcing of military and intelligence operations has spawned legally murky clandestine operations that can be at cross-purposes with America's foreign policy goals.

The New York Times

He knows that his "judgments may at first seem overstated, or appear to force the sexes into strict dichotomies," but such "hyperbole can serve a purpose: to sharpen our understanding of the murky world in which we live".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Michels and Mr. Movshon brought a distressed midrange and a murky bottom end to the group's sound, and for the purposes of these songs, it worked.

The New York Times - Arts

The broader declared purpose of making the world inhospitable for terrorists is murky and open-ended.

The New York Times - Magazine

And though the origins of the practice of castration are murky, we know that by the early 17th century, boys were being mutilated for the specific purpose of steering them into opera.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "murky purposes", consider the context carefully to ensure it accurately reflects the level of ambiguity or suspicion you wish to convey. This phrase is more impactful when describing situations where the lack of clarity is intentional or potentially deceptive.

Common error

Avoid using "murky purposes" when simpler terms like "unclear goals" would suffice. The phrase carries a connotation of deliberate obfuscation, making it unsuitable for situations where the ambiguity is merely due to lack of planning or communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky purposes" functions as an adjective-noun construction, where "murky" modifies "purposes". It describes the quality of the purposes, indicating they are unclear, suspicious, or hidden. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "murky purposes" is a grammatically correct adjective-noun construction used to describe intentions that are unclear, suspicious, or hidden. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English, suggesting a level of skepticism or doubt. While relatively rare, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the nuanced connotation of deliberate obfuscation and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "obscure intentions" or "questionable motives" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obscure intentions

Focuses on the lack of clarity or transparency in the intentions, without necessarily implying malevolence.

questionable motives

Highlights the doubt or suspicion surrounding the underlying reasons for an action or decision.

dubious aims

Suggests that the goals are of uncertain or suspect value, raising concerns about their worth.

nefarious goals

Implies that the objectives are wicked, criminal, or highly immoral, carrying a strong negative connotation.

shady objectives

Indicates a lack of integrity and hints at potential dishonesty or illegality.

covert agendas

Emphasizes the hidden and secretive nature of the plans, suggesting an attempt to conceal them.

ulterior motives

Points to motivations that are concealed and different from the stated ones, often with a selfish or self-serving aspect.

suspicious goals

Highlights the uncertainty and distrust surrounding the aims, causing unease and doubt.

unclear objectives

Emphasizes the absence of a well-defined direction or target, implying a lack of focus or strategy.

vague intentions

Suggests that the plans are poorly defined and lack specificity, making them difficult to grasp or assess.

FAQs

What does "murky purposes" mean?

The phrase "murky purposes" describes intentions or goals that are unclear, ambiguous, and often viewed with suspicion, suggesting a lack of transparency and potential deceit.

How can I use "murky purposes" in a sentence?

You can use "murky purposes" to describe situations where the intentions behind an action or plan are not clear, such as: "The organization was criticized for its murky purposes, leading many to question its true motives."

What are some alternatives to "murky purposes"?

Alternatives to "murky purposes" include "obscure intentions", "questionable motives", or "dubious aims", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "murky purposes" a formal or informal phrase?

"Murky purposes" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for analytical or critical writing where you want to express skepticism about underlying intentions.