purpose by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purpose by" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear in what context it could be used, as it does not form a coherent expression. Example: "The project was completed with a specific purpose by the team." (Note: "purpose by" is still awkward here.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A DOG'S PURPOSE, by W. Bruce Cameron.

The New York Times

I discovered my purpose by discovering the Lord.

Independent

Nor did the studios serve any public purpose by throwing people out of their jobs.

The New York Times

He is one of three dogs used for that purpose by the canine unit.

The New York Times

Its graphicness serves a purpose by pointing up what is being kept hidden.

The Guardian

Remarkably, these souls are sometimes awakened to a higher purpose by some inadvertent transgression.

The New Yorker

Jeff is further distracted from his ostensible purpose by the beautiful Laura, an American gallerist.

The Guardian - Books

This serves a public safety purpose by training and testing immigrants who are driving anyway.

The New York Times

Gossip Turns Out to Serve a Purpose" by Benedict Carey, the three statements are false.

The New York Times

The first issue explains its purpose by asking a series of questions followed by answers.

The New York Times

Secondary data is data collected for another purpose by other individuals or organizations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "purpose by" in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "for the purpose of" or "intended for" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Do not use "purpose by" to directly link an action to its intent. This phrasing is grammatically awkward. Replace it with clearer constructions such as "achieved by" or "accomplished through" to create a more coherent sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purpose by" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to link an action or object with its intended aim. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect, and its intended meaning is often obscured by its non-standard construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "purpose by" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. Its intended meaning—linking an action or object to its purpose—is better conveyed through alternative phrases such as "for the purpose of", "intended for", or "designed for". The register varies from neutral to informal, but due to its grammatical issues, it is best to avoid "purpose by" in professional or academic writing. Utilizing clearer, more conventional phrases ensures effective communication and maintains credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the purpose of

Replaces the construction with a standard, grammatically sound phrase indicating intention or aim.

with the intention of

Emphasizes the intended goal or objective behind an action.

designed for

Highlights that something was specifically created to fulfill a particular need.

intended to

Focuses on the planned use or desired outcome of an action or object.

to achieve

Highlights the active pursuit and attainment of a specific goal or objective.

in order to

A more formal construction that clearly states the reason or objective behind an action.

so as to

Similar to "in order to", but often used to express a more specific or refined purpose.

with a view to

Implies considering a particular outcome or goal while making decisions or taking action.

to facilitate

Focuses on making something easier or more likely to happen.

aimed at

Directly expresses that something is targeted or directed toward a specific goal or audience.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "purpose by"?

You can use alternatives such as "for the purpose of", "intended for", or "designed for" depending on the context.

Is "purpose by" grammatically correct?

No, "purpose by" is generally not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use clearer and more conventional phrases.

How can I use "for the purpose of" in a sentence?

Use "for the purpose of" to clearly state the intention behind an action. For example, "The meeting was held "for the purpose of" discussing the new budget."

What's the difference between "purpose by" and "achieved by"?

"Purpose by" is generally incorrect, while "achieved by" is a standard phrase used to describe how a goal was accomplished. For instance, "The goal was "achieved by" implementing new strategies."