purely them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purely them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is exclusively or entirely related to a specific group of people. Example: "The decision to change the policy was purely them, as they were the only ones affected by it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At this stage, the carefully calibrated plans for English votes for English laws, in which there is a veto for English MPs over legislation purely affecting them, will look unfit for purpose to many rightwingers.

The Guardian

"If come January the reasons for someone going out on loan would purely give them a wee bit of experience".

BBC

We deliberately create tests that have some minor issues lurking within them, purely to see if the candidate (a) spots them and (b) is willing to fix them.

Huffington Post

This can also be harmful for the societies when students join them, or seek positions within them, purely to boost their employability.

The Guardian - Opinion

He described the hiring of employees — prosecutors have said he never met them but knew and supervised them "purely online" — one of whom had "helped me see a larger vision," he wrote.

The New York Times

The reason is that whereas a Westerner may see them purely as works of art, a Chinese will be aware of them for what they are and treat them accordingly: Westerners see form and the Chinese see purpose.

Forbes

"With one glance at these pictures one can see that repair work is being done in these rooms, and that the children entered them purely through the childish curiosity that is inherent to them," the complaint reads.

The New York Times

"The fact that some of them are functional is an added bonus, but most people buy them purely for the pleasure they give the eye".

The New York Times

I planted them purely for pleasure.

The Economist

We judge them purely on their teaching.

The Guardian

I think it is purely up to them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "purely them" to emphasize that an action, decision, or characteristic is exclusively associated with a specific group, distinguishing it from broader influences or shared responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "purely them" when there are shared responsibilities or influences from outside the specified group, as this can create a misleading impression of isolated action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purely them" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing that an action, characteristic, or responsibility is exclusively attributable to a specific group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable but not frequent.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "purely them" is grammatically sound but lacks usage examples. It is used to highlight that something is exclusively related to a specific group. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct, though uncommon. Related phrases include "exclusively theirs", "solely their responsibility", and "entirely up to them", each nuanced in meaning. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating ownership and exclusivity. While usable, writers should be mindful of contexts where shared responsibility or external influences exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely up to them

Emphasizes the autonomy and decision-making power of the group in question.

just for them

Simplifies the phrase to indicate something is only intended for the specified group.

exclusively theirs

Focuses on possession or belonging to them alone, changing the emphasis from action to ownership.

restricted to them

Highlights that something is limited or confined to a particular group, emphasizing exclusivity.

uniquely theirs

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and special nature of something belonging to the group.

specifically for them

Highlights that something is designed or intended for a particular group, indicating purpose.

only they can decide

Focuses on the exclusive authority and power held by the subject to decide on something.

solely their responsibility

Shifts the context to accountability and duty, adding a layer of obligation not present in the original phrase.

their exclusive domain

Refers to an area or activity that is controlled or dominated by a particular group, indicating influence.

confined to them

Emphasizes restriction and limitation, suggesting something is limited to a particular group.

FAQs

How can I use "purely them" in a sentence?

Use "purely them" to emphasize that a decision, action, or characteristic originates exclusively from a specific group. For example, "The decision to change the policy was "entirely up to them", as they were the only ones affected by it."

What phrases are similar to "purely them"?

Similar phrases include "exclusively theirs", "solely their responsibility", or "entirely up to them", each carrying slightly different nuances regarding possession, accountability, and autonomy.

Is "purely them" grammatically correct?

Yes, "purely them" is grammatically correct, although it may sound somewhat informal. It is generally used to highlight that something pertains solely to a particular group.

In what contexts is "purely them" most appropriately used?

This phrase is appropriately used in contexts where emphasizing the exclusive involvement or responsibility of a group is important, as opposed to shared or external influences. Consider using it when "exclusively theirs" sounds too possessive.