are for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
Example: "The new laws are for the protection of the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are for watercolorists.

The New Yorker

"Museums are for history".

The New York Times

Fingers are for buttons.

The New Yorker

Partners are for everyone.

The New York Times

Some are for sale.

The Economist

Titles are for books".

The New York Times - Sports

"They are for everyone.

Independent

"They are for transportation.

The New York Times

Lampshades are for amateurs.

The New York Times - Arts

None are for sale.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The numbers are for 2009.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are for" to clearly state the purpose or intended use of something. This helps avoid ambiguity and makes your writing more direct.

Common error

Avoid using "are for" with singular nouns or non-count nouns. Instead, use "is for". For example, say "This tool is for cutting wood" instead of "This tool are for cutting wood".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are for" functions as a linking verb plus a preposition, indicating the purpose, function, or intended recipient of something. It establishes a relationship between a subject and its intended use. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to indicate the purpose, function, or intended recipient of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and readily found in various contexts. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Wiki sources, "are for" maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and avoid misusing it with singular nouns. By keeping in mind the insights provided, you can confidently employ "are for" to clearly and effectively convey intended functions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for

Highlights the intended recipient or beneficiary of something, focusing on who or what it was designed for.

designed for

Focuses on the purpose-driven creation of something, emphasizing its planned use.

serve as

Emphasizes the function or role something fulfills, rather than its intended recipient or purpose.

dedicated to

Implies a strong commitment or exclusive focus on a particular purpose or recipient.

suitable for

Indicates appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose or context.

cater to

Focuses on meeting the specific needs or preferences of a particular group or individual.

meant to be

Suggests a predetermined or destined purpose, adding a sense of inevitability.

constitute

Refers to the components that make up a whole, highlighting their contribution to the overall structure.

represent

Highlights symbolic association or the act of standing in for something else.

correspond to

Emphasizes a relationship of equivalence or matching between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "are for" in a sentence?

Use "are for" to indicate the purpose or intended use of something, typically with a plural subject. For instance, "These tools "are for" gardening."

What phrases can I use instead of "are for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "intended for", "designed for", or "serve as", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "is for" and "are for"?

"Is for" is used with singular subjects, while ""are for"" is used with plural subjects. For example, "This tool is for cutting" vs. "These tools "are for" cutting."

Is it correct to say "was for" instead of "were for"?

No, "was for" is used with singular subjects in the past tense, while "were for" is used with plural subjects. For instance, "This tool was for cutting" versus "These tools were for cutting".