pursuit of purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuit of purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the quest or journey to find meaning or direction in life or work. Example: "Many people embark on a journey of self-discovery in the pursuit of purpose, seeking to understand their true passions and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We're constantly in the pursuit of purpose, but reaching that goal means a different path for everyone.

Huffington Post

While many consider the millennial generation to be lazy slactivists, the individuals I encountered possessed a dogged determination in their pursuit of purpose.

Huffington Post

I invite you to join us in supporting this powerful campaign, and these brave women on their pursuit of purpose and happiness.

Huffington Post

I recently had a conversation about the pursuit of purpose, where the guy I was talking to mentioned all that you read and hear that starts with, "Well, first just find your purpose".

Huffington Post

Perceiving that dignity depends on experiences of generativity and the pursuit of purpose and meaning, Chochinov [ 16] identified aspects of dignity-conserving care and proposed a model for its development, study, and use by clinicians to promote maintenance of dignity for patients facing serious illness [ 16].

BMC Palliative Care

Such books as Woman, Thou are Loosed by T.D. Jakes; In Pursuit of Purpose, by Dr. Myles Munroe; Prayers That Heal The Heart, by Mark & Patti Virkler; A Fresh Word For Today, by Bob Gass; Run Baby Run, by Nicky Cruz; Morning By Morning, by Charles H. Spurgeon, and others.

Bplans

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Though Shylock's "mind is warped with prejudices and passion that he has but one idea, is not true; he has more ideas than any other person in the piece; and if he is intense and inveterate in the pursuit of his purpose, he shews the utmost elasticity, vigour, and presence of mind, in the means of attaining it".

Wikipedia

The focus on practical purposes draws attention to the moral dimension of action research that it is not a values-free process but an inquiry in the pursuit of worthwhile purposes, raising questions of values, morals, and ethics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this context, it is hardly surprising that when thinking about how organisms evolve, people assume that evolution is closely related to the pursuit of certain purposes, such as survival.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

He believes that murder is permissible in the pursuit of a higher purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

That last, far-reaching category might include, for instance, "a large number of persons in pursuit of a common purpose".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursuit of purpose", consider the context. Is it a personal journey, a professional goal, or a philosophical quest? Adjust your language to suit the specific context for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuit of purpose" in trivial contexts. Reserve it for situations where the search for meaning genuinely carries weight and significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuit of purpose" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the act of seeking or striving for a meaningful direction or goal in life. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursuit of purpose" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe the quest for meaning and direction in life. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts. While it is often used in news and media and scientific contexts, it's important to consider the weight of the phrase and reserve it for situations where the search for meaning is genuinely significant. Remember, alternative phrases like "quest for meaning" or "search for fulfillment" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for meaning

Focuses more on the search for significance or understanding.

search for fulfillment

Emphasizes the achievement of satisfaction and contentment.

striving for purpose

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in finding purpose.

seeking one's calling

Implies a sense of destiny or a vocation to be discovered.

path to self-discovery

Suggests a journey of understanding one's self and values.

endeavor to find meaning

Formal and emphasizes the attempt to discover purpose.

yearning for direction

Highlights a strong desire for guidance and clarity.

mission-driven life

Suggests living with a clear objective or goal.

values-oriented journey

Emphasizes alignment with personal principles and ethics.

life's great aim

Elevates purpose to a central and overarching goal.

FAQs

How can I use "pursuit of purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "pursuit of purpose" to describe the act of seeking meaning in life, as in "Her life was defined by her "pursuit of purpose" through volunteer work".

What are some alternatives to "pursuit of purpose"?

Some alternatives include "quest for meaning", "search for fulfillment", or "striving for purpose", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "pursuit of purpose" or "pursuit for purpose"?

"Pursuit of purpose" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Pursuit for purpose" is not standard English.

How does "pursuit of purpose" differ from "pursuit of happiness"?

"Pursuit of happiness" generally refers to seeking joy and contentment, while ""pursuit of purpose"" implies a search for meaning, direction, or a significant goal in life.