are made for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are made for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is designed or intended for a specific purpose or use. Example: "These shoes are made for running, providing the support and comfort needed for long distances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Girls are made for hugs".

The New York Times

Some stoves are made for Thanksgiving.

The New Yorker

But big bets are made for longer.

The Economist

Even bigger ones are made for Oktoberfest.

The New York Times - Food

These decisions are made for them.

The New York Times

We are made for love.

The Guardian

Special storage units are made for wine.

Cornell University

Appointments are made for one semester.

Cornell University

Recommendations are made for future research.

International Journal of Fatigue

Recommendations are made for future research programmes.

Procedia CIRP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

US elections are made-for-TV events.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are made for", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being made and what it is intended for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "are made for" when a more specific verb would provide clarity. Instead of saying "These tools are made for building", consider "These tools facilitate building" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are made for" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. Ludwig examples show it linking a subject to its intended purpose or design. It expresses a specific quality or characteristic about the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are made for" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the intended purpose or design of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines the subject and its purpose to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "are designed for" or "are intended for" may offer greater precision in some cases. Avoiding overuse and opting for more specific verbs when appropriate can also improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are designed for

Focuses on the design aspect, emphasizing that something was specifically created with a purpose in mind.

are intended for

Highlights the intended use, suggesting a planned or expected purpose.

are suitable for

Emphasizes appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose or situation.

are created for

Focuses on the act of creation, implying a specific purpose was considered during the creation process.

are purposed for

Highlights the deliberate assignment of a purpose to something.

are geared towards

Suggests an orientation or direction towards a specific goal or audience.

are tailored to

Implies a precise fit or customization for a specific need or requirement.

are meant for

Suggests destiny or inherent purpose.

are destined for

Implies a sense of fate or inevitability in their purpose.

are built for

Emphasizes the construction aspect, highlighting that something was made to withstand or perform a particular task.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are made for" is used to indicate the intended purpose or design of something. For example, "These shoes "are made for" running" suggests the shoes are designed specifically for that activity.

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

You can use alternatives like "are designed for", "are intended for", or "are suitable for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is made for" with singular subjects (e.g., "This tool is made for gardening") and "are made for" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tools "are made for" gardening").

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

"Are made for" implies a design or intention, while "are used for" simply describes a current or past application. Something "are made for" a purpose even if it is not used for that purpose, but something cannot "are used for" without actually being used.