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I'd like to put this in acknowledgements of my dissertation, expressing that someone is very important to me:

X is the reason and purpose for me of writing this dissertation.

But is that a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence? If not, how should I rephrase it?

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  • "X is my reason and purpose in writing this dissertation" would be shorter. Fussier would be "X is my reason for and purpose in writing this dissertation."
    – Robusto
    Jul 23, 2015 at 12:03
  • Thanks for the prompt reply, @Robusto. Can I say "X is the reason and purpose for me in writing this dissertation?" Because I already said "X is my blablabla" in the previous sentence and would like to avoid repetition.
    – Ying Xiong
    Jul 23, 2015 at 12:10
  • The possessive ("my purpose in writing") is clearer than the prepositional ("purpose for me in writing") and more idiomatic.
    – TimR
    Jul 23, 2015 at 12:23
  • @YingXiong: In that case use a pronoun instead of X. "He [or she] is my reason . . ."
    – Robusto
    Jul 23, 2015 at 12:37
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    Slightly off topic, since it is a grammar question but I do suggest the more common etiquette is using something like "X motivated me to write this." or "X is my motivation for writing this". If it's near the beginning, prior to the main body of the work "This Y is dedicated to X, who Z." with Z being a brief clause explaining the motivation, for example "This work is dedicated to J. Smith, who aided my studies immensely." If X happens to be a somebody you amorously admire, do keep in mind that it might be embarrassing to mention that, except maybe if the love is already known to be requited.
    – Tonepoet
    Jul 23, 2015 at 13:43

1 Answer 1

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I would NOT say someone is the reason and purpose for you doing something, especially if it is a college project, which is for an academic task, etc. Your dissertation is your OWN generated work topic, which you have studied for. You can acknowledge a supervising Professor, Don, or Tutor for their assistance, etc.

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