purpose in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purpose in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific purpose that is being discussed or examined in a particular context. Example: "The purpose in question is to improve the overall efficiency of our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"An intelligent universe evolves purposively over time, even if the purpose in question may for ever be beyond the grasp of the intellect," he writes.

The New Yorker

Then on September 7, von Hagen wrote to the British Legation in Peru, eventually receiving the following response from His Majesty's Minister: "Thank you for your letter of September 7 , 1933telling me about your scheme to dedicate a memorial to Charles Darwin and to sail from Peru, sometime in early in 1935, for the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) for the purpose in question.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Before engaging in a genome sequencing project, it should thus be carefully considered whether a genome reference sequence is strictly necessary for the purpose in question.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a party whose purpose was in question.

Vice

With this purpose, the foundation in question will try to expand the 'new rights', using the world religions for this end and adapting these for their new duties.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first half of the novel, then, weaves its strands in the manner of a deft literary thriller, as Anil and Sarath - whose unity of purpose remains always in question - pursue the identity of the skeleton from Bandarawela.

The Guardian - Books

Whether to rely on conditional or unconditional demand estimates depends on the purpose of study in question.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Whether the proposal is adequate depends crucially on the purposes and contexts in question.

SEP

The account proceeds to describe the formation of the various bodily parts, setting out in each case the purpose of the part in question and showing how its construction (out of the appropriately selected materials) serves that purpose.

SEP

Danish officials initially denied the reports and as recently as Wednesday, Mr Pind said that he "wasn't aware of the purpose of the aircraft in question," according to the local.

Independent

Audits by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a body set up by the previous government, found that the accuracy of production figures varies widely depending on the purpose of the report in question.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "purpose in question" to clearly identify the specific aim or intention being discussed, especially when multiple purposes might be relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "purpose in question" in simple sentences where "the purpose" or "the aim" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purpose in question" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, often specifying or clarifying a particular aim or intention being considered. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is usable in written English. Examples show its use in academic, news, and encyclopedia contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purpose in question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to pinpoint a specific aim or goal within a broader discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this prepositional phrase is suitable for formal and scientific writing contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the register of your writing and the presence of simpler alternatives that may be more fitting for informal conversations. By focusing on its proper contexts and considering suitable substitutions, you can skillfully employ the phrase "purpose in question" to enhance the clarity and precision of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intention in question

Replaces "purpose" with "intention", focusing on the underlying aim or motive being examined.

aim in question

Substitutes "purpose" with "aim", highlighting the target or objective that is being considered.

objective in question

Replaces "purpose" with "objective", emphasizing a specific, measurable outcome that is being discussed.

goal in question

Swaps "purpose" with "goal", focusing on the desired result or achievement that is under scrutiny.

matter in hand

Shifts focus to the immediate subject or issue, rather than the specific purpose.

topic at hand

Similar to "matter in hand", this emphasizes the subject being discussed but not necessarily its underlying purpose.

issue at stake

Focuses on the potential outcome or consequence that is being weighed, rather than the purpose.

point under consideration

Broadens the scope to any aspect or detail being examined, not just the purpose.

function in question

Replaces "purpose" with "function", highlighting the role or activity being fulfilled or performed.

motivation in question

Focuses on the underlying reason or drive behind an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "purpose in question" in a sentence?

You can use "purpose in question" to specify which aim or objective is being referred to among others. For example: "Before engaging in a genome sequencing project, it should thus be carefully considered whether a genome reference sequence is strictly necessary for the "purpose in question"."

What are some alternatives to "purpose in question"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "intention in question", "aim in question", or "objective in question". These alternatives offer similar meanings while varying the emphasis slightly.

Is "purpose in question" formal or informal?

"Purpose in question" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "the reason" or "the goal" might be more appropriate.

Which is more appropriate, "purpose in question" or "the purpose at hand"?

Both phrases are valid, but "purpose in question" is used when you are selecting one particular purpose among many while "the purpose at hand" typically refers to the immediate or most relevant purpose.