which word is better?

I would say "in" is better. The suggestion is the the statement "contains" a purpose.

Huh. Could the suggestion of the statement be different then if preceded by purpose of? Instead of referring to someone's own purpose in saying that, it could allude to an abstract purpose that's external. Like, what on earth is the purpose of saying something like she is smarter than him?

Would that be interpreted or does that not make sense?

I guess I'm asking - is it apparent their suggestions are different or does purpose of just sound awkward?

I will tell you, the difference is too subtle for me. Intuitively, I would say 'purpose of', but would never object to 'in'.

Either is correct in this instance, but in general, "purpose of" is used far more often than "purpose in".

It is also simpler, since if you are going to use "purpose in", a verb must follow. That is not the case with "purpose of".

You cannot say, "What is the purpose in the handsaw?". You can say, "What is the purpose of the handsaw?".

I dont think that's strictly true. I think purpose in could be followed by a gerund.

For example, someone could take a sentence with a fairly simple structure like "she swims purposefully" and change it to the convoluted "there exists purpose in her swimming."

But I know what you mean.

Yes, you are correct there. Never thought of that.

Peren, always !


Whats the purpose of saying she's smarter than him?
What's the purpose (point?) of (me, he ?) saying (having said?, " She's smarter than him (he? John? allof'em?" ?), etc. Yes, no, peren, I'm not always of much help am I but don't get discouraged 'cause your interest in ojur peculiar tongue is to be admired

Please note that the highlighted swimming is not a gerund but a noun..

How is it not a gerund? A gerund is a verb that functions as a noun.

Okay, from now on, regarding all language questions, all you folks are required to ask perennialloner the questions and he/she will answer them for you.

I think we may well say the former when the context is rich enough where one could say,

What is the purpose in [you using/the use of] the handsaw?

Nevertheless, you made an excellent observation. These finer distinctions are important to EFLs.