On Purpose – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever done something you really meant to do? It wasn’t an accident. You did it on purpose. This common phrase is the opposite of “by accident.” It helps you explain that an action was intentional and deliberate.
What Does “On Purpose” Mean?
It means to do something intentionally or deliberately. Think of it like aiming an arrow at a target. You meant to hit it. It is not an accident. The action was planned and wanted.
When to Use It
You can use on purpose in many everyday situations. Use it to explain why you did something. Use it when talking about children’s behavior. You can also use it at work to clarify your actions. It is a neutral phrase for all types of conversations.
Example Sentences
- I didn’t forget your birthday on purpose; I was just very busy.
- He spilled his drink on purpose to get attention.
- She left the door unlocked on purpose so I could get in.
- Did you say that on purpose to hurt her feelings?
Mini Dialogue
Mom: “Did you break your brother’s toy?”
Child: “No! I didn’t do it on purpose. It was an accident!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, “on purpose” is an adverb phrase. It usually comes after the verb or at the end of a sentence.
❌ Don’t say: “I on purpose arrived early.”
✅ Do say: “I arrived early on purpose.”
Practice Tip
This week, notice when you do something intentionally. Say it out loud using “on purpose.” For example, “I am drinking water on purpose to stay healthy.” This will help you remember the phrase.
Final Note
Now you know how to use on purpose correctly. It’s a simple way to show that an action was not a mistake. Use it to be clear about your intentions in English!