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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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For their own ends

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for their own ends" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it when describing someone's actions which have been done for the purpose of achieving a personal aim or goal. For example, "The politicians took advantage of public opinion for their own ends, even if it was against the welfare of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are engaging in criminal activities for their own ends.

News & Media

The Guardian

They are doing it for their own ends".

News & Media

The Guardian

Do the media construct phantoms for their own ends?

Unfortunately, humans show little restraint when it comes to using animals for their own ends.

News & Media

The New York Times

Politicians have exploited the deaths on 9/11 for their own ends.

News & Media

The New York Times

The country's powerful religious parties have also tried to use the turbulence for their own ends.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The perpetrators were "gangsters and thugs who use old-style paramilitary methods for their own ends".

News & Media

The Economist

More are planned as different groups try to appropriate the phenomenon for their own ends.

News & Media

The Economist

Nowicki said the organisers had used the ban for their own ends.

News & Media

The Guardian

Chad's neighbours, meanwhile, continue their long-standing policies of backing various rebellions for their own ends.

Lobbying groups can also manipulate the internship system for their own ends.

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Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using the phrase "for their own ends", ensure the context clearly indicates who is benefiting and what their specific aims are. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

⚠ Common error

Ensure that the "their" in "for their own ends" has a clear and unambiguous referent. Without clear context, the reader may not understand who is acting for their own benefit.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for their own ends" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to explain the reason or purpose behind an action. It specifies that the action is performed to achieve a personal objective or advantage. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

⚠ Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for their own ends" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions driven by personal motives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media where motivations are often scrutinized. While the phrase can carry a negative connotation, suggesting selfishness, it simply indicates that an action is performed with a personal goal in mind. To enhance clarity, it's essential to ensure that the referent of "their" is clear and that the context reveals the specific aims being pursued. Consider alternatives like "for their own purposes" or "with ulterior motives" to fine-tune your expression.

FAQs

How can I use "for their own ends" in a sentence?

Use "for their own ends" to indicate that someone is acting with a personal motive or goal. For example, "The company used the charity event "for their own purposes", aiming to boost their public image."

What's a good alternative to "for their own ends"?

Consider alternatives like "for their own purposes", "for selfish reasons", or "with ulterior motives", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone is acting "for their own ends"?

While often implying a negative connotation of selfishness or manipulation, acting "for their own ends" isn't inherently negative. It simply means someone is acting with a personal goal in mind, which may or may not be detrimental to others.

What is the difference between "for their own ends" and "for their own sake"?

"For their own ends" implies a specific goal or outcome is being pursued, while "for their own sakes" suggests acting out of concern or benefit for oneself, often without a specific objective.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: