statements of purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "statements of purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic or professional contexts to refer to documents that outline an individual's goals, motivations, and reasons for pursuing a particular program or position. Example: "In your application, please include statements of purpose that clearly articulate your career objectives and aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The new albums are interesting in that both are statements of purpose, though it's not always clear what the purpose is.

The New Yorker

It made various feints at self-organization, and offered statements of purpose that still seem prophetically advanced — particularly the boldly feminist ones.

The New Yorker

Without daily Web commentary and other distractions to interrupt the flow of viewers' week-to-week emotional investment, these shows were allowed a more organic, less anxious denouement, building elegant, tonally correct final statements of purpose.

The New Yorker

In these episodes, the characters' interdependent narcissism generally becomes unwieldy: the four of them go to the North Fork with competing ideas of a good weekend, and their trivial preferences become statements of purpose — ammunition for a fight about who they are.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hemmings advises Ms. Newley to "disregard the letters of recommendation" and "be wary of the statements of purpose," tossing aside the extraneous parts of an application and disregarding everything but an applicant's writing sample and her ethnic and geographic background, as well as her financial status.

The New York Times

These studies indicate a need for further study of statements of purpose submitted to different departments, informed by the views of disciplinary specialists.

English for Specific Purposes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The required résumé and statement of purpose are enclosed.

The New Yorker

That, however, is only the initial statement of purpose.

The New York Times

That's a come-on, of course, but it's also a statement of purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

By contrast "Say Hello," a hustler's statement of purpose, is hobbled by a clunky refrain.

The New York Times - Arts

It's just that he doesn't make his West Indianness a statement of purpose.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a statement of purpose, clearly articulate your specific goals, relevant experiences, and motivations. Avoid generic language and focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the field you are entering.

Common error

Avoid making generic statements about your interests or motivations. Instead, provide specific examples and demonstrate a clear understanding of your field's challenges and opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "statements of purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it refers to documents outlining goals and motivations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "statements of purpose" is a grammatically sound and usable term, commonly found in academic and professional settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to documents outlining goals and motivations. While not extremely frequent, it appears in reputable sources such as The New Yorker and The New York Times. Related phrases include "personal statements" and "declarations of intent". When crafting a statement of purpose, it is important to be specific and avoid generic language, focusing instead on demonstrating a deep understanding of the relevant field.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purpose statements

A more concise and direct alternative, omitting the plural form.

personal statements

Highlights the individual perspective and motivations behind a particular pursuit.

objective statements

Prioritizes specific, measurable goals and outcomes.

mission statements

Focuses on the overarching aims and values of an organization or entity.

statements of intent

Similar to declarations of intent, but slightly less formal.

goal statements

Highlights the desired outcomes or achievements one hopes to attain.

declarations of intent

Emphasizes the formal expression of one's aims or plans.

expressions of intent

Focuses on articulating one's intentions in a clear and understandable manner.

aims and objectives

Combines both general aspirations and specific targets.

letters of intent

A more formal expression of intentions, often used in business or legal contexts.

FAQs

What are "statements of purpose" typically used for?

"Statements of purpose" are commonly used in applications for graduate school, scholarships, or other programs where you need to articulate your goals, experiences, and motivations.

What's the difference between a "statement of purpose" and a personal statement?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a "statement of purpose" typically focuses more on your academic or professional goals, while a personal statement may delve deeper into your personal background and experiences.

What should I include in my "statement of purpose"?

Your "statement of purpose" should include your academic and professional goals, relevant experiences, motivations for pursuing a specific program, and how you plan to contribute to the field. Be specific and provide examples.

What can I say instead of "statements of purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "personal statements", "purpose statements", or "objective statements" depending on the context.