on purpose

Meaning

This phrase means doing something intentionally, deliberately, or with a specific plan. It is the direct opposite of doing something by accident or by mistake. It is often used to assign blame or clarify intentions in everyday situations.

Examples

• I'm sorry I stepped on your foot; I didn't do it on purpose.

  I'm sorry I stepped on your foot; I didn't do it on purpose.

• She left her phone at home on purpose so she could unplug.

  She left her phone at home on purpose so she could unplug.

• Did you lose the game on purpose to make him feel better?

  Did you lose the game on purpose to make him feel better?

• He broke my favorite mug, and I'm sure he did it on purpose.

  He broke my favorite mug, and I'm sure he did it on purpose.

• They designed the app to be addictive on purpose.

  They designed the app to be addictive on purpose.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He did it with purpose.

  ✓ He did it on purpose.

  While 'with purpose' exists, it means doing something with determination. To mean 'intentionally', the correct idiomatic phrase is 'on purpose'.

• ✗ She broke the glass by purpose.

  ✓ She broke the glass on purpose.

  Learners often mix up 'by accident' and 'on purpose', incorrectly applying the preposition 'by' to 'purpose'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I didn't spill the coffee ___; it was a complete accident!

  💡 Intentionally.

  Show answer

  on purpose

• Do you think she ignored my text ___?

  💡 Deliberately.

  Show answer

  on purpose