are born for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are born for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in a figurative sense to mean that someone or something is meant or destined to do a certain thing or fulfill a certain purpose. Example: "Some people believe that artists are born for creating beautiful works of art." This means that it is believed that artists have a natural talent or calling for creating art.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Naturally about 105 boys are born for every 100 girls.

The New York Times

Normally, 105 boys are born for every 100 girls.

The Economist

Some people are born for a certain thing.

The Guardian - Sport

This is the blight that some ambitious, intelligent movies are born for.

The New York Times

In China, the researchers estimate that 120 boys are born for every 100 girls.

The New York Times - Books

But in Armenia and Azerbaijan more than 115 boys are born for every 100 girls and in Georgia the ratio is 120.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I was born for this," Ortiz said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was born for this," Mayweather said.

The New York Times - Sports

He was born for it.

The Washington Post

He was born for this.

The Washington Post

"I was born for it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are born for" when you want to convey a sense of inherent purpose or destiny. It implies that someone or something is particularly well-suited or destined for a specific role or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "are born for" in contexts where a skill is primarily learned or acquired, not inherent. It’s better suited for innate talents or destinies rather than skills developed through training. For example, using it to say "he was born for computer programming" might be misleading if his skills were primarily learned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are born for" functions as a predicate complement, describing the inherent purpose or destiny of a subject. It highlights a natural inclination or suitability, as seen in the Ludwig examples, where individuals or things are described as being inherently suited for particular roles or activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are born for" serves to express an inherent aptitude or destiny toward a particular role or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While "are born for" is most frequently found in news and media, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. To ensure precision in writing, remember that "are born for" suggests a natural inclination, not a learned skill. Alternatives such as "are destined for" or "are naturally suited to" can be used to nuance the meaning or convey a similar sentiment without implying destiny. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the breadth of usage, from describing inherent talents to highlighting something's intended function, solidifying its role as a versatile and expressive phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are destined for

Emphasizes a predetermined future or purpose, implying less agency and more fate.

are made for

Highlights suitability and compatibility, often implying a specific design or intention.

are meant for

Suggests an intended purpose or a natural inclination toward something.

are inclined toward

Focuses on a natural tendency or preference.

are predisposed to

Highlights a genetic or inherent tendency.

are naturally suited to

Focuses on inherent abilities and talents making someone appropriate for something.

are designed for

Emphasizes a specific and intentional purpose or function.

are created for

Highlights that something was specifically brought into existence to serve an specific purpose.

have a knack for

Indicates a natural talent or skill.

are cut out for

Suggests that someone is naturally fitted for a role or task.

FAQs

How do I use "are born for" in a sentence?

Use "are born for" to suggest someone or something has a natural inclination or destiny to fulfill a specific purpose. For example, "Some leaders "are born for greatness"."

What's the difference between "are born for" and "are made for"?

"Are born for" suggests an inherent, innate quality, while "are made for" implies something was created or designed for a specific purpose. You could say, "She "was born for the stage"" (innate talent) but "This tool "is made for precision work"" (designed purpose).

Are there synonyms for "are born for" that don't imply destiny?

Yes, alternatives like "are naturally suited to", "are inclined toward", or "have a knack for" emphasize natural talent without suggesting fate.

When is it inappropriate to use "are born for"?

Avoid using "are born for" when describing skills or attributes that are primarily learned or acquired through effort. It is more appropriate for describing inherent qualities or predispositions. Saying someone "was born for math" might be misleading if they worked very hard to develop that skill.