with sinister purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with sinister purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or intention that is malevolent or evil in nature. Example: "The villain approached the hero with sinister purpose, plotting to unleash chaos upon the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

From the cliff beyond, I looked back to admire the stately ruin and became aware of a pair of figures hurrying with what seemed like sinister purpose at my heels - a tall, pale woman in red on the arm of a man wrapped in a waterproof that flapped like a cloak.

The Telegraph

(a) The Commission did not withhold disclosure from the petitioner with any sinister purpose to make the hearing ineffective.

Cornell University

Click here to watch video In Pite's Dark Matters (2009), a man, living alone, crafts a wooden puppet that comes to life and then, with increasingly sinister purpose, sets about controlling its maker's existence.

The Guardian

Called a 'Buli Buli', it is a beautifully carved ironwood club with a rather sinister purpose - to crush the skull of the enemy.

BBC

He has alleged that an innocent visit to the White House by Bill Wilkins, IRS Chief Counsel with at least 10 other individuals for a photo opportunity with the President in April 2012, had a more sinister purpose of plotting an attack on tea party groups.

Forbes

"We weren't attempting to rescue this apparatus from its sinister purpose," he said.

The New Yorker

We must take them at their word, as the jury did, and ascribe to them a more active and sinister purpose.

Cornell University

Several sources implied that this caretaking had a sinister purpose: the K.L.A. was harvesting the prisoners' organs and selling them on the black market.

The New Yorker

While saying "it pains me greatly" to vote no, Ms. Lofgren said the Republican proposal had "another, in my opinion, more sinister purpose — to actually reduce legal immigration levels".

The New York Times

There can be little doubt that his friendliness, boyish looks and unerring punctuality with the delivery of rent checks (obviously acquired in some cunning and bloody way) are designed to put us at ease and conceal his sinister purposes.

The New York Times

Besides law enforcement, media reports have shown that China has deployed surveillance technology for more sinister purposes that include controlling its people.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with sinister purpose" when you want to emphasize the malicious or evil intent behind an action, adding a dramatic or suspenseful tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with sinister purpose" in casual or lighthearted writing. This phrase is best suited for formal, serious, or dramatic situations where a sense of foreboding is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with sinister purpose" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, specifying that the action is driven by a malevolent or harmful intent. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with sinister purpose" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions carried out with malicious intent. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, the number of examples is limited, indicating a low frequency. It fits well within formal and serious contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing where the intent is to create a sense of unease and highlight hidden, harmful agendas. Alternatives such as "with malicious intent" or "for nefarious reasons" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed. While grammatically correct and usable, be cautious about overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guided by sinister motives

Focuses on the underlying reasons for an action being dark and potentially harmful.

with malicious intent

Focuses specifically on the intention behind the action, highlighting the ill will driving it.

for nefarious reasons

Emphasizes the wickedness and immorality underlying the purpose.

with evil intentions

Directly states the presence of evil in the intent, making it less subtle.

harboring a dark motive

Implies a hidden and potentially dangerous reason for the action.

plotting with wicked designs

Highlights planning and scheming with morally reprehensible goals.

driven by malevolent aims

Focuses on the harmful and destructive nature of the objectives.

with treacherous goals

Suggests betrayal and deceit as part of the intended outcome.

with a devious plan

Highlights the cunning and deceitful aspects of the scheme.

under a veil of darkness

Emphasizes the secrecy and concealment surrounding the true purpose.

FAQs

What does "with sinister purpose" mean?

The phrase "with sinister purpose" indicates that an action or plan is being carried out with a malevolent, evil, or harmful intention. It suggests a hidden agenda that is morally questionable or dangerous.

How can I use "with sinister purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "with sinister purpose" to describe someone's actions or motivations. For example: "The villain approached the hero "with sinister purpose", plotting to unleash chaos upon the city."

What are some alternatives to "with sinister purpose"?

Alternatives include "with malicious intent", "for nefarious reasons", or "with evil intentions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "with sinister purpose" formal or informal?

"With sinister purpose" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is more common in literature, news reports, or serious discussions than in casual conversation. Using a more informal phrase like "up to no good" might be more appropriate in a casual setting.