the purpose for which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the purpose for which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the specific goal or aim of something. For example, "We must identify the purpose for which this project is being undertaken and make sure it is achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The purpose for which the fund was established ends.

Yale University

or DFT) and the purpose for which they were used.

Analytica Chimica Acta

The purpose for which ethical auditors are generally employed is to find nothing.

The Guardian

"The key consideration is the purpose for which animals are cloned," it said.

The Guardian

Game-changers are clear about the purpose for which they exist.

Harvard Business Review

The purpose for which the fund was established has changed significantly.

Yale University

The request must state the purpose for which the records will be used.

Cornell University

Only during Wilson's tenure has the President's Room served the purpose for which it was designed.

The New York Times

On the blank where it says: "State the purpose for which this loan is to be used," he put down.

The New Yorker

Despite their rough delivery, the letters always reprised in high revolutionary style the purpose for which "generous donations" were requested.

The Guardian

That meant they cannot fiddle with the language describing the purpose for which the money can be used.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the purpose for which," ensure the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning and provides specific, non-redundant information.

Common error

Avoid using "the purpose for which" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler phrases like "why" or "what it's for" suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the purpose for which" functions as a relative clause, introducing a phrase that specifies the intended use or goal of something. It connects a noun or noun phrase to its intended function or reason for existence, as exemplified by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the purpose for which" serves as a formal relative clause specifying the intended use or goal. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. With a "Very common" frequency and widespread use across various authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. For informal scenarios, simpler alternatives are preferable. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the intention behind

Emphasizes the underlying plan or motivation.

the aim of

Highlights the goal or objective behind something.

the rationale for

Highlights the logical basis or justification.

the justification for

Highlights the reasons or arguments supporting something.

the reason why

Focuses on the cause or justification rather than the intended use.

the goal it serves

Focuses on the objective or end result achieved.

the function of

Stresses the role or task that something performs.

the object of

Similar to 'aim' but can also imply a physical target or focus.

the use case for

Describes the specific scenario or application.

what it's designed for

More informal, focusing on the intended design or use.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the purpose for which" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "the reason why", "the aim of", or "the intention behind" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, consider "the reason why".

Is "the purpose for which" formal or informal?

"The purpose for which" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "what it's for" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the purpose for which" and "the reason why"?

While both indicate causation, "the purpose for which" emphasizes the intended use or goal, whereas "the reason why" focuses on the cause or explanation. For instance, consider using "the reason why" when explaining an event.

How to ensure clarity when using "the purpose for which"?

Make sure the clause following "the purpose for which" is concise and directly relates to the subject. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about the intended use or goal.