specific purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular goals or objectives that something is intended to achieve. Example: "The funding is allocated for specific purposes, such as community development and educational programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most donations are for specific purposes.

The Economist

People are looking at specific roads with specific purposes".

The New York Times

"Heavy trucks and buses have very specific purposes.

The New York Times

They can consolidate federal grants earmarked for specific purposes.

The New York Times

But the document and today's interview had additional, more specific purposes, advisers to Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

The Treasury Department also issues licenses to travel to Cuba for specific purposes, including academic research.

The New York Times

Some writers use Twitter for their own very specific purposes, of course.

The Guardian - Books

You should, though, use the money for specific purposes - childcare costs perhaps, emergency payments or debt repayment.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Bartlett said the Bush campaign's tax incentives for specific purposes were simply icing on the cake.

The New York Times

Then there are vessels designed for specific purposes, like a hefty 20th-century Luo brewing vessel, from Kenya.

The New York Times

"The Democrats feature less decision-making by parents and more grants that are tied to specific purposes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific purposes", ensure the context clearly defines what those purposes are, either explicitly or implicitly, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specific purposes" without clearly defining or implying what these purposes are, as it can leave the reader wondering about the intended objectives. Always ensure that your writing offers enough context to understand the nature of these purposes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific purposes" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier followed by a noun. It describes the characteristics of a noun, indicating that its uses are distinct and well-defined. The Ludwig examples show that the phrase refers to objectives, aims, or intentions that are clearly delineated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specific purposes" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate well-defined objectives or goals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly outlines what those purposes are to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "designated aims", "particular objectives", and "defined goals" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designated aims

Replaces "specific" with "designated" and "purposes" with "aims", emphasizing the intentional selection of goals.

particular objectives

Substitutes "specific" with "particular" and "purposes" with "objectives", highlighting individual goals.

defined goals

Replaces "specific purposes" with a simpler expression, focusing on the clarity of the goals.

explicit intentions

Replaces "specific purposes" focusing on the clearness of the intentions.

stated reasons

Replaces "purposes" with "reasons", shifting the focus to the justification behind an action.

certain objectives

Replaces "specific" with "certain", indicating a degree of assurance in the objectives.

specialized functions

Emphasizes unique or tailored functionalities rather than general aims.

tailored applications

Replaces "purposes" with "applications", emphasizing use or deployment for some purpose.

customized designs

Shifts the focus to design, meaning that something was intended for a peculiar goal.

individualized targets

Focuses on targets or benchmarks designed for each individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "specific purposes" to describe the intended use or function of something, such as "The funds were allocated for "specific purposes", including education and healthcare".

What are some alternatives to "specific purposes"?

Alternatives include "particular objectives", "defined goals", or "designated aims", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "specific purposes" instead of "general purposes"?

Use "specific purposes" when the goals or objectives are well-defined and targeted. Use "general purposes" when the goals are broad and not precisely defined.

Is it redundant to say "very specific purposes"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very specific purposes" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether ""specific purposes"" already conveys the intended level of detail. If additional emphasis is needed, ensure it adds meaningful clarity.