namely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "namely to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce specific examples or clarifications related to a preceding statement. Example: "The committee has several goals, namely to improve communication, increase efficiency, and enhance collaboration among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Namely, to pose Everett's dog, Bobby Jr., with Leonard Cohen.

The Guardian - Music

Namely, to not only win but win easily, with panache.

The New York Times - Sports

"In retrospect, I suppose it was expediency, namely to avoid a hoedown on the court.

The New York Times

Now research from Japan suggests expanding the list of aqueous additives -- namely, to lithium.

The New York Times

Namely, to retain the services of Wayne Rooney and sign a seasoned midfielder.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet we're failing to copy the single most important lesson from those systems — namely, to put cost control first.

The New York Times - Health

With that, Ms. Bartz left to get to her job, namely to meet with Yahoo's top brass and employees.

The New York Times - Tech

The only proper response is precisely the one thwarted by each lugubrious iteration of the same idea – namely, to laugh.

The Guardian - Arts

But critics say these reforms fail to achieve what they set out to, namely to create jobs.

The Guardian

Invariably the motivation of the governors was commendable, namely to accelerate improvements in outcomes for their children.

The Guardian

But wait: the crowding out types have another answer, namely, to just ignore the facts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "namely to" when you want to introduce a specific purpose or reason that clarifies a more general statement. For example, "The company has several objectives, namely to increase profits and expand its market share."

Common error

Avoid using "namely to" to introduce a list of items or examples that are not directly related to a specific purpose. Use "for example" or "such as" instead. For instance, avoid writing, "The store sells many items, namely to apples, oranges, and bananas." A better phrasing would be, "The store sells many items, such as apples, oranges, and bananas."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "namely to" functions as a purpose connector, introducing a specific aim or objective that clarifies a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its role in specifying intentions or reasons. It commonly introduces a more detailed explanation of a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "namely to" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to introduce a specific purpose or objective. As indicated by Ludwig, it's best employed to provide clarity and detail following a more general statement. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, "namely to" serves as a valuable tool for writers aiming for precision. It is essential to distinguish its function from that of "for example", which introduces illustrations rather than intentions. While versatile, proper usage ensures effective communication across diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically to

Emphasizes directness and precision in the purpose.

in particular to

Highlights a specific aspect or element within a broader context.

that is to

Provides a clarifying restatement of a preceding idea.

more precisely to

Offers a more exact or refined explanation of the intention.

to be specific to

Focuses on detailing the exact nature of the purpose or action.

expressly to

Indicates a clear and unambiguous intention or purpose.

primarily to

Highlights the main or most important aim.

chiefly to

Indicates the principal reason or purpose behind something.

essentially to

Refers to the fundamental or core purpose.

particularly to

Signifies an aim that is distinct and set apart from others.

FAQs

How can I use "namely to" in a sentence?

Use "namely to" to introduce a specific purpose or objective that clarifies a preceding general statement. For example, "The organization's goal is to support local businesses, namely to boost economic growth and create job opportunities."

What are some alternatives to "namely to"?

Alternatives include "specifically to", "in particular to", or "that is to", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is there a difference between "namely to" and "for example"?

"Namely to" introduces a specific purpose or objective, while "for example" introduces an illustration or instance. Use "namely to" when defining a goal and "for example" when providing an example.

Can "namely to" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

No, "namely to" should not be used at the beginning of a sentence. It is used to clarify a previous statement by introducing a specific purpose or intention.