serious purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intention or goal that is significant or earnest in nature. Example: "The organization was founded with a serious purpose: to address climate change and promote sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cossiga had a serious purpose.

The Guardian

But it usually hid a serious purpose.

The Economist

Nonetheless, there is serious purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

Quality journalism has a serious purpose.

The Guardian

For all the belly laughs, there was a serious purpose.

Independent

This may sound fluffy, but it's got a serious purpose.

The New York Times

In fact, the pool also had a serious purpose.

The Economist

The measure has a serious purpose, according to its proponents.

The New York Times

Although this sounds comical, Ms. Johnson has a serious purpose.

The New York Times

But it seems to have had another, serious purpose.

The New York Times

But they had a serious purpose, as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "serious purpose", ensure that the context clearly reflects the genuine and significant nature of the intention. Avoid using it in trivial or frivolous situations to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "serious purpose" in casual conversation or informal writing where a more relaxed or lighter tone is appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "real reason" or "main idea" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "purpose". It is typically used to describe the nature or quality of an intention or goal, indicating its significance and earnestness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious purpose" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase, predominantly in news and media, as reported by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the significance and intentionality behind an action or endeavor. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts. When writing, ensure its usage aligns with the tone and seriousness of the content; otherwise, consider alternatives like "earnest aim" or "important goal" for greater precision. Avoid overuse in informal settings where a more relaxed tone is warranted. Remember to always reflect the genuine significance of the intended reason. The phrase's prevalence and correctness are further substantiated by Ludwig's extensive examples from reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnest aim

Highlights the sincerity and dedication behind the objective.

vital intention

Underlines the crucial and necessary nature of the intention.

solemn intention

Emphasizes the gravity and earnestness of the intention.

meaningful pursuit

Highlights that the purpose is worth pursuing or doing.

significant objective

Focuses on the noteworthiness and impact of the objective.

important goal

Stresses the significance and value of the intended outcome.

determined objective

Highlights the resolve and commitment towards achieving the objective.

profound reason

Indicates a deep and meaningful underlying cause or justification.

weighty motive

Suggests a substantial and influential motivation.

critical design

Implies that the purpose is essential to success.

FAQs

What does "serious purpose" mean?

The phrase "serious purpose" refers to an intention or objective that is significant, earnest, and not frivolous. It indicates a commitment to achieving something of value or importance.

How can I use "serious purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "serious purpose" to describe the underlying reason for an action or endeavor. For example: "The research was undertaken with a "serious purpose": to find a cure for the disease."

What are some alternatives to "serious purpose"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "earnest aim", "important goal", or "significant objective" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "serious purpose" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "serious purpose" in very casual settings might sound overly formal. In such cases, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "real reason" or "main aim".