purpose to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purpose to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect in many contexts.
It can be used when expressing an intention or goal, but it is often better to use more standard phrases. Example: "I purpose to improve my skills in writing this year."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is a purpose to this.

The New York Times

Its sole purpose: to raise oil taxes.

The Economist

It has a purpose to it.

The New York Times - Sports

Purpose: To eliminate varicose veins.

The New York Times - Health

Guns have one purpose: to kill things.

The Guardian - Opinion

The purpose: to drive the dealers away.

The New York Times

Soccer there brings purpose to people's lives.

The New York Times - Sports

But there was a purpose to all of it.

The Guardian - Books

I had done it on purpose, to exorcise him.

The Guardian - Arts

"There is a purpose to this story," Big Thomas said.

The New York Times - Sports

Purpose: To exfoliate and give the skin a glow.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "purpose to", ensure the context clearly conveys intention or function. While acceptable, consider stronger alternatives like "aim to" or "intend to" for greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "purpose to" in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and polished alternatives like "the aim is", "the objective is", or "the intention is" to enhance the sophistication and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purpose to" functions primarily as a purpose connector, indicating the reason or intention behind an action or object. As Ludwig indicates, it expresses an intention or goal, though it might be more effectively replaced by stronger alternatives for clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

9%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purpose to" serves as a versatile connector, expressing intention or function across a variety of contexts. While widely used, as Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness is sometimes disputed, and stronger alternatives often exist for clearer and more impactful writing. Predominantly found in news and media, with increasing uses in Wiki and Science, its usage tends toward the neutral-to-informal register. For formal contexts, phrases like "the aim of" or "the objective is" offer greater precision and sophistication. Ultimately, understanding its nuances allows for more effective and context-appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aim of

Highlights the objective or goal, providing a more formal alternative to "purpose to".

the intent of

Similar to "aim", but implies a more deliberate and planned objective.

the goal of

Similar to 'aim of' but may refer to a broader and longer-term ambition.

the objective of

Stresses the specific outcome to be achieved, which is more precise than "purpose to".

reason for

Focuses on the cause or explanation behind something, differing from "purpose to" which emphasizes intention.

with the intention of

A more formal alternative that specifically underlines the premeditated nature of an action.

the function of

Emphasizes the role or task something is designed to perform, rather than the intention behind it.

the point of

Focuses on the value or significance, which is a more abstract consideration than "purpose to".

the idea behind

Highlights the concept or rationale that motivates an action, offering a broader perspective.

intending to

Verb form emphasizing active planning and volition

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "purpose to"?

While "purpose to" is frequently used, you can opt for more grammatically precise alternatives such as "the purpose of", "the aim of", or "the intent of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "purpose to" in formal writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "purpose to" can sound less polished in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "the objective is" or "the goal is" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "purpose to" differ from "reason for"?

"Reason for" emphasizes the cause or explanation behind something, while "purpose to" focuses on the intention or function. For example, the reason for the meeting could be different than the purpose to have that same meeting.

What are some ways to rephrase a sentence using "purpose to" to make it sound more professional?

Instead of saying "The purpose to this meeting is to discuss the budget", try "The aim of this meeting is to discuss the budget", or "This meeting intends to discuss the budget". These options are generally considered more professional.