purposefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "purposefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to do something with a clear plan and intention, and it can be used in any context where that meaning would be applicable. Example sentence: She purposefully walked across the room and stood just in front of him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the year since the resignation of Progressive Unionist party leader Dawn Purvis, it has become depressingly clear among acute observers of Belfast's loyalist communities that the loyalist paramilitary UVF has been purposefully ratcheting up tensions among its youthful foot soldiers to show some muscle.

The Guardian - Opinion

For instance, they stacked the cards against themselves by purposefully picking a very hot year to start the analysis and a cool year to terminate the study (1998 and 2012, respectively).

The Guardian

A cynic might point to this and suggest that nationalists and republicans have purposefully chosen to strike when the proverbial iron is hot.

The Guardian - Opinion

We strongly oppose those efforts that attempt to use the environmental causes to purposefully disrupt and stop those interests within the oil and gas industry.

The Guardian

The PfP remains, purposefully, small and grass roots.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He also seemed impatient to get started, making his first appearance a full 36 minutes before the kick-off, waving to a mostly deserted Stretford End before striding purposefully across the pitch to observe the warm-up in front of the stand they had named after Ferguson and directly beneath the banner heralding the former manager's achievements.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think for me having the honour to speak at the Myall Creek Memorial this year I will certainly reflect not just on those who lost their lives at that site but use the location and day to remember all of those who lost their lives in places forgotten, missed and purposefully erased from both memory and the record".

The Guardian

At 9am the channel projects its own version of Groundhog Day: a vigorous Andrew Marr striding purposefully into the studio of the show that still bears his name.

The Guardian

It comes down to this: People who look at you with envy or malice or even admiration may be purposefully or inadvertently cursing you with their regard).

The Guardian

A local resident contacted police after seeing Channel One reporter Mikhail Akinchenko drop the butt, but denied the reporter had purposefully started the fire.

The Guardian

The two men are obviously among friends as they stride purposefully through the streets, cuddling babies that have been brought out to the doorsteps as small boys run with scraps of paper to get Adams' autograph.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "purposefully" to clearly convey that an action was done with a specific aim or intention in mind, avoiding ambiguity about whether it was accidental or unintentional.

Common error

Avoid using "purposefully" when the action's intent is unclear or ambiguous. If the purpose is not evident, consider rephrasing to explicitly state the intention behind the action.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of the adverb "purposefully" is to modify verbs, indicating that an action is carried out with a specific intention or aim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "purposefully" signifies actions executed with clear intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It frequently appears in contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While synonyms like "intentionally" and "deliberately" offer nuance, "purposefully" is a reliable choice for conveying deliberate action. To ensure clarity, always use "purposefully" when the intent behind the action is evident, making your writing precise and understandable. Its presence among authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian underscores its suitability for formal and neutral contexts. The adverb "purposefully" is indeed a very common word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentionally

Emphasizes a deliberate plan or design behind the action.

deliberately

Highlights a careful consideration before acting, often implying a calculated decision.

on purpose

A more informal way to say intentionally, stressing that the action was not accidental.

knowingly

Suggests awareness of the consequences or implications of the action.

consciously

Focuses on the awareness and mental involvement in the action.

resolutely

Implies firmness and determination in pursuing a course of action.

determinedly

Highlights the strong will and resolve behind the action.

with intent

A more formal phrase emphasizing the presence of a specific goal or aim.

by design

Emphasizes that something was planned and executed in a specific way.

advisedly

Indicates that the action was taken after careful thought and consideration of the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "purposefully" in a sentence?

You can use "purposefully" to describe an action done with intention. For example, "She "purposefully ignored him"" indicates she did it intentionally.

What are some alternatives to "purposefully"?

Alternatives to "purposefully" include "intentionally", "deliberately", and "on purpose". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "purposefully" and "purposely"?

While "purposefully" and "purposely" are often used interchangeably, "purposefully" is generally considered the more formal and widely accepted term. Both suggest an action done with a specific purpose.

Can "purposefully" be used to describe unintentional actions?

No, "purposefully" is used to describe actions that are intentional and deliberate. If an action is unintentional, words like "accidentally" or "inadvertently" would be more appropriate.