are built for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are built for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the purpose or design of something, indicating that it was created to serve a specific function or need. Example: "These shoes are built for comfort, making them ideal for long walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

PARIS — Superyachts are built for luxury.

The New York Times - Sports

Most barges are built for specific cargoes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We are built for that".

The New York Times - Sports

They are built for speed.

The New York Times

The Go! Team are built for superlatives.

The Guardian - Music

Well, they are built for you.

The Guardian - Books

Let's hope they are built for trans-oceanic travel.

The Economist

Extensive communication nets are built for this purpose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Win, and the Seminoles are built for a major run.

The New York Times

"Now just 40 social homes are built for every 100.

The Guardian

The Dynamo have proven they are built for playoff runs.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are built for" to clearly state the intended purpose or design of something, emphasizing its suitability for a specific task or function. For instance, "These running shoes are built for long-distance runs."

Common error

Be careful not to use "are built for" when describing unintended uses or adaptations. If something is being used for a purpose it wasn't originally intended for, avoid this phrase. Instead, use phrases like "are being used for" or "are adapted for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are built for" functions as a passive construction indicating the intended purpose or design of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in English. It emphasizes that something was specifically created or designed with a particular function in mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are built for" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe the intended purpose or design of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news, science, and general writing, where it serves to inform about design rationale and capabilities. While alternatives like "are designed for" or "are intended for" offer similar meanings, "are built for" specifically emphasizes creation with a purpose in mind. Remember to reserve this phrase for cases where design aligns with intended function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are designed for

Replaces "built" with "designed", emphasizing the planning or intention behind the creation.

are intended for

Highlights the purpose or goal for which something was created, similar to "are built for".

are made for

A more general and informal alternative, indicating the purpose or suitability of something.

are purposed for

Emphasizes the intended function or reason for something's existence.

are constructed for

Focuses on the physical act of building or assembling something for a specific reason.

are engineered for

Suggests a more technical or specialized design process.

are tailored for

Implies a specific adaptation or customization for a particular use or audience.

are equipped for

Highlights the features or capabilities that enable something to perform a specific task.

are suited for

Indicates appropriateness or compatibility for a specific purpose or situation.

are optimized for

Suggests that something has been specifically modified or adjusted to perform a certain task efficiently.

FAQs

What does "are built for" mean?

The phrase "are built for" indicates that something was specifically designed and created to serve a particular purpose or function. It emphasizes the intention behind the design.

What can I say instead of "are built for"?

You can use alternatives like "are designed for", "are intended for", or "are made for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is built for" instead of "are built for"?

The choice between "is built for" and "are built for" depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is built for" for a singular subject (e.g., "This tool is built for precision") and "are built for" for plural subjects (e.g., "These tools are built for precision").

How does "are built for" differ from "are used for"?

"Are built for" emphasizes the original intended purpose during the design and construction phase. "Are used for" simply describes how something is currently being utilized, regardless of its original intent. For instance, "This room is built for storage" (intended design), versus "This room is used for storage" (current use).