play person studying illustration

'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'?

We're intent on clearing it up


Is the phrase 'for all intensive purposes' or 'for all intents and purposes'? Senior Editor Emily Brewster explains.

Transcript

Sometimes a word that sounds like the right word, and feels like the right word, isn't actually the right word. It's an eggcorn.

If something has the same effect or result as another thing, it's not "for all intensive purposes" the same as that other thing, it's for all intents and purposes the same. It shares the same aim as the other thing, so it has the same effect or result.

Up next

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

play merriam-webster eggcorns title page
What Is an Eggcorn?

 

And how did it get that name?

play body parts video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

play video lay vs lie
Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

play peter-sokolowski-indict-graphic
Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play illustrated notebook that says everyday vs every day
'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

 

A simple trick to keep them separate