To all intents and purposes
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
حرفيًا: To (for) all (every) intents (intentions) and (conjunction) purposes (goals/aims).
Use it to describe a reality that is true in practice, regardless of official technicalities.
في 15 ثانية
- Means something is effectively true, even if not technically official.
- Used to focus on the practical result rather than small details.
- Common in professional, academic, and sophisticated daily conversation.
المعنى
Use this phrase to say that while something might not be technically or officially true, the practical result is exactly the same as if it were.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Explaining a broken appliance
The screen is cracked and the battery is dead, so to all intents and purposes, the tablet is useless.
The tablet is effectively useless.
Discussing a business merger
The paperwork isn't signed, but to all intents and purposes, the two companies are now one.
The companies are effectively merged already.
Texting about a long-term project
I just need to fix one typo, but to all intents and purposes, I'm finished!
I am basically done with the work.
خلفية ثقافية
Originating in 16th-century English law, this phrase was used to ensure that the spirit of a law was followed, not just the literal wording. It reflects the Anglo-American legal focus on 'substance over form.' Today, it is a hallmark of educated, high-level English discourse.
The 'For' vs 'To' Debate
You can use 'For all intents and purposes' or 'To all intents and purposes.' Both are correct, but 'For' is slightly more common in American English.
Avoid the 'Intensive' Trap
Never say 'to all intensive purposes.' It is a famous mistake that native speakers make, and it will make you look less professional.
في 15 ثانية
- Means something is effectively true, even if not technically official.
- Used to focus on the practical result rather than small details.
- Common in professional, academic, and sophisticated daily conversation.
What It Means
Imagine your old laptop won't turn on anymore. You haven't thrown it in the trash yet. Technically, you still own a computer. But you can't browse the web or write emails. To all intents and purposes, you do not have a computer. This phrase is all about the final result. It tells your listener to ignore the tiny, boring details. It focuses on the reality of the situation. Even if the official status says one thing, the reality is another. It is like saying "effectively" or "practically speaking."
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a sentence. It sets the stage for your main point. You can also drop it in the middle or at the end. Use it to brush aside small, unimportant technicalities. It acts as a verbal shortcut. It tells your listener: "Ignore the fine print, look at the outcome." It makes you sound very articulate and precise. It is a great way to simplify a complex situation for someone else. Think of it as a tool for summarizing the "bottom line."
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting to summarize a deal. If a contract is 99% done, use this phrase. It works well when explaining a complex life situation. Use it when a technicality doesn't change the actual facts. It is perfect for describing a "de facto" situation. You will sound like someone who understands the big picture. It is also useful when a machine is broken. If your car won't start, it is to all intents and purposes a very expensive lawn ornament. It adds a touch of sophisticated irony to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the tiny details actually matter. If you are a scientist measuring chemicals, you must be exact. Don't use it in a very short, casual text message. It might feel a bit too heavy or stiff for a quick "hey." Avoid it if you are being 100% literal and technical. It is a phrase for interpretation, not for high-precision math. If someone asks for the exact time, don't use this phrase. It is meant for broad realities, not specific measurements.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a very long and prestigious history. It dates back to the 1500s in English law. It was originally used in an Act of Parliament during the reign of Henry VIII. It meant "according to the true meaning and heart of the law." Over the centuries, it moved from courtrooms to daily life. In the UK and US, using this shows a high level of literacy. It suggests you can distinguish between theory and practice. It is a favorite of journalists and political commentators today.
Common Variations
You might hear people say for all intents and purposes. Both to and for are perfectly acceptable and mean the same thing. However, be careful with a common mistake. Some people accidentally say to all intensive purposes. This is called an "eggcorn." It sounds similar but makes no sense. Stick to intents to keep your high-level English status. Using the correct version shows you really know your stuff.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a C1-level phrase that adds a layer of sophistication to your speech. It is most at home in formal or professional settings, but it can be used in casual conversation for humorous or emphatic effect.
The 'For' vs 'To' Debate
You can use 'For all intents and purposes' or 'To all intents and purposes.' Both are correct, but 'For' is slightly more common in American English.
Avoid the 'Intensive' Trap
Never say 'to all intensive purposes.' It is a famous mistake that native speakers make, and it will make you look less professional.
The Lawyer's Secret
Using this phrase makes you sound like you have a legalistic or philosophical mind. It’s a great way to sound more authoritative in a debate.
أمثلة
6The screen is cracked and the battery is dead, so to all intents and purposes, the tablet is useless.
The tablet is effectively useless.
Focuses on the fact that the tablet cannot be used, even if it still exists.
The paperwork isn't signed, but to all intents and purposes, the two companies are now one.
The companies are effectively merged already.
Used to describe a situation that is functionally complete.
I just need to fix one typo, but to all intents and purposes, I'm finished!
I am basically done with the work.
A slightly more formal way to say 'basically' in a text.
My cat owns this house and I, to all intents and purposes, am just the butler.
I am practically the cat's servant.
Uses the formal phrase to create a funny contrast with a silly situation.
They never had a wedding, but to all intents and purposes, they have been married for forty years.
They have lived as a married couple in every way that matters.
Highlights the emotional reality over the legal status.
The rain is so heavy that the festival is, to all intents and purposes, over.
The festival is effectively finished because of the rain.
Describes a situation where the outcome is inevitable.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct word to complete the high-level expression.
The old law is still on the books, but to all ___ and purposes, it is never enforced.
The standard idiom is 'to all intents and purposes.' 'Intensive' is a common error, and 'intentions' is not used in this specific phrase.
Complete the sentence to show the project is nearly done.
We have one minor meeting left, but the deal is closed to all intents and ___.
The phrase always ends with 'purposes' to maintain its idiomatic meaning.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Effectively' Synonyms
Used with friends
Basically
Used in most situations
Practically
Professional or academic
To all intents and purposes
When to use 'To all intents and purposes'
Legal/Official
A law that isn't used
Relationships
Unmarried but lifelong partners
Business
A deal that is 99% done
Broken Items
A car that won't start
الأسئلة الشائعة
11 أسئلةIt means that in every practical way, something is true, even if it isn't technically or officially the case. For example, to all intents and purposes, the meeting is over means people are leaving even if the clock hasn't hit the end time.
Yes, much more formal. While basically is fine for friends, to all intents and purposes is better for reports, speeches, or serious discussions.
Yes, you can. For example: 'The old system is dead, to all intents and purposes.' It works well as a concluding thought.
Exactly the same. You can use to or for interchangeably without changing the meaning at all.
It's a phonetic error. Because 'intents and' sounds like 'intensive' when spoken quickly, many people mishear and misspell it.
Yes, it is very common in academic discourse to describe a situation that is effectively true in a specific context.
It is very similar, but to all intents and purposes feels more emphatic and comprehensive than just saying virtually.
Yes! It shows you have a sophisticated vocabulary. Use it when describing your experience, like: 'I was the assistant, but I was the manager to all intents and purposes.'
It is used in both! It originated in England but is a standard part of high-level English globally.
Some people think so, but in C1 level English, using a few extra words for precision and tone is often encouraged.
Yes, you can describe someone's role or status. 'He is, to all intents and purposes, the head of the family.'
عبارات ذات صلة
In effect
Used to describe the practical reality of a situation.
De facto
Existing in fact, whether with legal sanction or not.
Practically speaking
Focusing on the real-world application rather than theory.
As good as
Very nearly the same as something else (e.g., 'It's as good as finished').
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