purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the reasons or intentions behind an action or decision. Example: "The project was initiated for educational purposes, aiming to enhance student engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will use the information you have provided to us for the purposes of contacting you with information relating to Guardian Masterclasses and to conduct analysis for the purposes of providing future Guardian Masterclasses.

The Guardian

The accountant's fees were fully declared for tax purposes and he paid tax on the benefit.

The Guardian

(I confess I felt a lot like John Waters in the 1980s, when he attended – for research purposes, and alone – a Saturday-morning screening of The Care Bears Movie during the notorious McMartin pre-school devil-worship and child-abuse trial).

The Guardian - Film

The accounts can also be unlocked if certain conditions are being fulfilled, such as the offending user providing Twitter with their phone number for verification purposes, or deleting the problem tweets.

The Guardian - Tech

After battling through the smorgasbord of showings, landlords and contract negotiations, the property is, to all intents and purposes, yours.

The Guardian

But what they are not doing is providing their consent for the information to be published for data protection law purposes, because it's not needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even now, it is not clear whether the policy is all that effective with the annual rise in credit for investment purposes rising by 10%, which is a large factor behind house price growth at a solid 7.5% to 8% with Sydney prices up around 14%.

The Guardian

5 We will use personal information only for the purposes for which it was originally collected and we will make sure we delete it securely.

The Guardian

We will not share your personal information with others for marketing purposes unless you have given us your permission.

The Guardian

Cameras with remote zoom functions, though, probably would, as would cameras used by businesses or individuals for private security purposes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ensure that any footage stored is kept for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is obtained.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "purposes" to refer to the intended aims or goals behind actions, projects, or policies. This provides clarity and direction in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "purposes" and "goals" interchangeably without considering the context. "Purposes" often refer to the broader reasons or intentions, while "goals" are specific, measurable targets. To avoid this, clarify if you're describing the overarching intent or a specific target.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "purposes" is as a plural noun, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "for purposes of"). It refers to the reasons or intentions behind an action or decision, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Tech

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Money

7%

Travel

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purposes" is a plural noun that describes the reasons or intentions behind actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, technology and lifestyle content. To enhance your writing, use "purposes" to clearly articulate the rationale behind events or actions, and consider alternatives like "objectives" or "aims" to add nuance. Remember to be specific when describing "purposes" to provide clarity and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objectives

Focuses more on specific, measurable goals that are intended to be achieved.

aims

Emphasizes the direction or target one is striving to reach.

intentions

Highlights the planned course of action or the desired outcome.

reasons

Focuses on the justification or explanation behind an action.

goals

Similar to objectives, but can be slightly broader and less precisely defined.

motives

Refers to the underlying causes or drivers of behavior.

designs

Highlights the planned or intended use of something.

functions

Focuses on the specific role or activity that something is intended to perform.

uses

Indicates the specific ways in which something is employed or utilized.

intents

A more formal way of saying "intentions", often used in legal or official contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "purposes" in a sentence?

You can use "purposes" to describe the reasons or intentions behind actions. For example, "The funds were raised for charitable purposes." or "The data is used for research purposes."

What are some alternatives to using the word "purposes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "objectives", "aims", "intentions", or "reasons". Choose the word that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "for the purpose of" or "for purposes of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "For the purpose of" is often used when referring to a single, specific aim, while "for purposes of" is used when referring to multiple or general aims.

What is the difference between "purposes" and "intentions"?

"Purposes" generally refer to the overall aims or goals, while "intentions" focus more on the planned course of action or the desired outcome. They are similar but can have subtle differences in emphasis.