purposes of

USAGE SUMMARY

"purposes of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the goal or intention of something, and it can be used at any point in a sentence. For example: "He applied for the job for the purposes of gaining experience in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For hygiene purposes, of course.

The New York Times

Copied for purposes of typology.

University of California, Berkeley

Provides purposes of this part.

Cornell University

For the purposes of Art.

Cornell University

Provides purposes of this subchapter.

Cornell University

purposes of attribution and credit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Provides purposes of this section.

Cornell University

For purposes of comparison, consider Shakespeare.

The New York Times - Arts

They exist for purposes of connection.

Harvard Business Review

§ 225.102 Definitions for purposes of this policy.

Cornell University

For purposes of codification those lettered subpars.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "purposes of", ensure that the noun following 'of' clearly defines the intended outcome or aim. For instance, "purposes of research" is more precise than "purposes of activity."

Common error

Avoid using "purposes of" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "why" or "reason for" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purposes of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the reason, aim, or intention behind an action, object, or concept. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it connects a cause or rationale to an effect or goal. It clarifies why something exists or why something is done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

55%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purposes of" is a versatile phrase used to clearly state the intentions, aims, or reasons behind something. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, from academia and news to science and even more informal settings. While highly versatile, the phrase best shines in more formal registers and written communication. Alternatives like "reasons for" or "aims of" can provide subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression, but "purposes of" maintains its place as a reliable and frequently used connector. The AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons for

Focuses on the justification or explanation behind an action or decision, rather than the intended outcome.

intentions for

Emphasizes the planned or desired outcome, highlighting the proactive nature of the objective.

aims of

Highlights the specific targets or goals that are being pursued, often in a more formal setting.

objectives of

Refers to measurable targets or concrete outcomes that are intended to be achieved, suitable for strategic planning.

goals of

Focuses on the desired achievements or results, often used in personal or professional development contexts.

functions of

Emphasizes the role or task that something is designed to perform, focusing on utility and practicality.

uses for

Highlights the different ways in which something can be employed or utilized, emphasizing versatility.

the point of

Offers a more direct and informal way to inquire about or explain the purpose behind something.

rationale behind

Focuses on the underlying principles or logic that supports a decision or action.

the why of

A concise and emphatic way to ask about or explain the fundamental reason for something.

FAQs

How can I use "purposes of" in a sentence?

The phrase "purposes of" is used to indicate the intention or reason behind an action or object. For example, "The funds were allocated for the "purposes of education"." Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate its usage.

What are some alternatives to "purposes of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "reasons for", "intentions for", or "aims of" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "for the purpose of" is typically used when referring to a singular, specific aim, while "purposes of" is used for multiple or general intentions. For example, "for the purpose of clarity" versus "for the "purposes of analysis"".

What's the difference between "purposes of" and "with the intention of"?

"Purposes of" is a more concise way to express the intention behind something, whereas "with the intention of" is more explicit and can emphasize the deliberate nature of the action. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality. Consider the context to choose between the phrases.