toward what end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toward what end" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the purpose or goal of an action or decision. Example: "Before we proceed with this plan, we must consider toward what end we are working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Toward what end?

University of California, Berkeley

But action toward what end?

The New York Times

"You're rebuilding and redeveloping Benton Harbor, but toward what end, what's the aim?" he replied.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was given this time and access precisely because the White House knew how and toward what end he would use it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why should we aspire to anything less?" Yes, the new order may be somewhat harder on children, but absent evidence of true social disintegration (soaring crime rates, collapsing educational attainment, riots in the streets), "why not just look at progress and call it 'progress'?" I suppose one rejoinder would be, progress toward what end?

The New York Times

After decades of serial cultural and political cancellations and self- reinventions, China has jettisoned the cardinal virtues of its traditional and Maoist cultural incarnations, and thus sometimes does irredeemably seem to be a kingdom of means alone, a society and nation largely defined by its ardent pursuit of techniques, but without many answers to the question: Toward what end?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Who produces this knowledge, and toward what ends?

Cornell University

Toward what ends should America harness -- not for a few days in July, but day in and day out -- the astounding economic, military, political and cultural power it has accrued?

The New York Times

I guess I'd like Walker and Addie to feel they always have a broad set of choices about how to live — where, and in what manner, and toward what ends — while at the same time I would feel sad if they entirely repudiated the way I grew up.

The New Yorker

What matters is who is organized, by what means, toward what ends.

Huffington Post

Metadata can map the circulatory system of civil society, toward what ends you can certainly imagine.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toward what end" when you want to critically examine the purpose or goal behind an action, especially when the reason is not immediately apparent or seems questionable.

Common error

Avoid using "toward what end" in very informal settings. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "What's the point?" or "What are you trying to achieve?" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toward what end" functions as an interrogative phrase, questioning the ultimate goal or purpose of an action or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms that it seeks to understand the rationale behind a particular activity, as highlighted in several examples where actions are questioned for their intended outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

38%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "toward what end" serves as a critical question, probing for the ultimate purpose behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, particularly in academic and news contexts. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, its use conveys a sense of formal inquiry. When employing this phrase, consider whether a simpler or more direct question might be more appropriate for your audience. To ensure clarity and relevance, always evaluate if the purpose of the matter in question is really clear, or if it is hidden in order to manipulate opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To what end?

A more concise and direct way of asking the same question.

What is the objective?

Focuses specifically on the goal or aim.

What is the purpose?

Highlights the reason for an action or decision.

What is the aim?

Emphasizes the intended result or outcome.

What is the ultimate goal?

Stresses the final, long-term objective.

What is the intention?

Highlights the planned or desired result.

What are we trying to achieve?

Shifts focus to the process and the desired accomplishment.

What is the endgame?

Focuses on the final outcome or result of a strategy.

What is the motivation?

Focuses on the underlying reason or incentive.

What's the point?

A more informal way of questioning the reason or benefit.

FAQs

How to use "toward what end" in a sentence?

Use "toward what end" when questioning the purpose or goal of an action, often implying a critical or skeptical perspective. For example, "They are investing heavily in this project, but "toward what end"?"

What can I say instead of "toward what end"?

You can use alternatives like "what is the purpose", "what is the objective", or "to what end" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "toward what end"?

"Toward what end" is suitable in formal writing or discussions where you want to question the underlying rationale or long-term goal of a particular action or strategy. It's often used when the purpose isn't clear or seems questionable.

Is "toward what end" formal or informal?

"Toward what end" leans towards the formal side. It's more common in academic, journalistic, or professional contexts rather than casual conversations. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.