substantial purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or meaningful reason for an action or decision. Example: "The committee found that the proposed changes served a substantial purpose in improving community engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

the taxpayer has a substantial purpose (apart from Federal income tax effects) for entering into such transaction.

Cornell University

Though the proceeding in question is divested of many of the aggravating incidents of actual search and seizure, yet, as before said, it contains their substance and essence, and effects their substantial purpose.

Cornell University

The Ex-PATRIOT Act also provides that if the IRS finds that avoidance of taxes was a substantial purpose of expatriation, the individual who renounced citizenship will be barred from any type of re-entry into the United States.

TechCrunch

Beyond just looking great, there seems to be more substantial purpose, both visually and psychologically.

HuffPost

Contrary to the Court's decision in Citizens United, corporations have only highly limited free speech rights; the company's advertising or commercial speech merely ensures that a truthful statement of advertisement is not limited or censored by the government absent a substantial reason and the lack of an alternative means to accomplish its substantial purpose.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet recognition must be given as well to the important and substantial purposes of the University, which seeks to facilitate a wide range of speech.

Cornell University

In his opinion for the court today overturning the appellate ruling, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote that while the students did have First Amendment interests at stake, "recognition must be given as well to the important and substantial purposes of the university, which seek to facilitate a wide range of speech".

The New York Times

Nollan, supra, at 834, quoting Penn Central, 438 U.S. 104, 127 (1978) (" '[A] use restriction may constitute a taking if not reasonably necessary to the effectuation of a substantial government purpose' ").

Cornell University

See also Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City, 438 U.S. 104, 127 (1978) ("[A] use restriction may constitute a 'taking' if not reasonably necessary to the effectuation of a substantial government purpose").

Cornell University

Under these circumstances, I fail to see how this legislation has "any substantial legislative purpose" apart from honoring the conscience of individuals who oppose war on only religious grounds.

Cornell University

As Mr. Justice Frankfurter, joined by MR. JUSTICE HARLAN, said in a separate opinion in the Sunday Closing Law Cases, 366 U.S. 420, 468 (1961), an establishment contention "can prevail only if the absence of any substantial legislative purpose other than a religious one is made to appear". See Selective Draft Law Cases, 245 U.S. 366.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial purpose", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the purpose significant. Providing specific details enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial purpose" in contexts where a simpler term like "reason" or "goal" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies "purpose". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting the significance of a reason or intention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial purpose" is a grammatically sound and formal phrase used to denote a significant or meaningful reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various reputable sources, including academic, news, and scientific domains. While "significant aim" or "meaningful objective" can serve as alternatives, it's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. When deployed effectively, "substantial purpose" adds weight and clarity to arguments by emphasizing the importance of intentions and motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant aim

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", emphasizing importance.

Meaningful objective

Substitutes both words, highlighting the value and goal-oriented nature.

Considerable reason

Focuses on the justification behind an action, suggesting a weighty motive.

Significant intention

Emphasizes the planned aspect and importance of the goal.

Key objective

Highlights the objective as a core, primary goal.

Primary goal

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the goal.

Main intention

Highlights that the intention is not secondary or ancillary.

Important motive

Emphasizes the driving force behind an action.

Principal cause

Shifts the focus to the causal factor that is most important.

Weighty consideration

Focuses on the seriousness and thoughtfulness involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial purpose" to describe a significant or meaningful reason for an action or decision. For example, "The committee found that the proposed changes served a "substantial purpose" in improving community engagement."

What can I say instead of "substantial purpose"?

You can use alternatives like "significant aim", "meaningful objective", or "considerable reason" depending on the context.

Is "substantial purpose" formal or informal?

"Substantial purpose" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or legal contexts. Using a simpler phrase like "main reason" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

What distinguishes a "substantial purpose" from a regular purpose?

A "substantial purpose" implies a greater significance or importance than a regular purpose. It suggests that the reason behind an action is considerable and carries significant weight.