true purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'true purpose' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something's intended or real purpose. For example, "We must rediscover our true purpose in life, to be the best person we can be".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Don't forget our true purpose," I say.

The Guardian - Travel

But a bath has true purpose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She had no idea of its true purpose.

The Guardian

I never knew the true purpose of that phone call.

Independent

They're with the true purpose and importance of education.

The New York Times

Now he understands language, aerodynamics and the true purpose of a telephone kiosk.

The New York Times

"Neither of us was told of the evening's true purpose," Ms. Vaughn recalled.

The New York Times - Style

The historian first visited the house back in February, but kept his true purpose a secret.

The Guardian - Arts

* What do you believe to be the true purpose of intercourse?

The New York Times

This approach, she said, was self-indulgent and neglected the true purpose of the gift.

The New York Times - Arts

The true purpose of Bully Duncan's bill was to prevent the corruption of the ballot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "true purpose" to emphasize the genuine or intended reason behind an action, decision, or existence, especially when contrasting it with a perceived or superficial purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "true purpose" casually. The phrase carries a connotation of depth and significance, so ensure it aligns with the gravity of the context. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true purpose" functions as a noun phrase, where 'true' modifies 'purpose' to emphasize authenticity or genuineness of the reason or intention. It's frequently used to clarify the underlying motivation or core function, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "true purpose" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for emphasizing the authenticity or real intention behind an action or object. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions as a noun phrase, often employed to clarify misunderstandings or highlight deeper meanings. Its usage spans news, formal business settings, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using "true purpose", writers should aim for contexts where emphasizing genuineness is paramount. While synonymous alternatives exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real intention

Focuses more on the intended action or outcome rather than the overall reason.

genuine objective

Emphasizes the sincerity and validity of the goal.

actual aim

Highlights the specific target or goal being pursued.

core reason

Highlights the fundamental justification or explanation.

fundamental goal

Stresses the basic or essential nature of the objective.

essential function

Focuses on the necessary activity or role something fulfills.

primary objective

Indicates the most important or overriding goal.

underlying motive

Highlights the hidden or less obvious reason behind an action.

principal cause

Identifies the main reason or driver behind an event or situation.

authentic calling

Implies a deeper, more personal sense of destiny or vocation.

FAQs

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

You can use "true purpose" to describe the real reason behind an action or the intended function of something. For example, "The "true purpose" of education is to empower individuals." Or, "The company's "true purpose" was obscured by its pursuit of profit."

What can I say instead of "true purpose"?

Alternatives include "real intention", "genuine objective", or "actual aim" depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance, so consider the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "true purpose" and "real reason"?

"True purpose" often implies a more profound or fundamental motivation, whereas "real reason" can refer to a more immediate or superficial explanation. The "true purpose" reflects a core intent, while the "real reason" might be more circumstantial.

When is it appropriate to use "true purpose" in writing?

Use "true purpose" when you want to emphasize the authentic or fundamental reason behind something. This is especially effective when contrasting it with a superficial or misunderstood intention. For example, highlighting the "true purpose" of a historical event versus common misconceptions.