are meant for

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is intended for a specific purpose. Example: These toys are specifically meant for children ages 5-8.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Small plates are meant for hoarding.

The New York Times - Food

All the dishes are meant for sharing.

The New York Times - Food

They are meant for stamp collectors.

The New Yorker

"Playgrounds are meant for children".

The New York Times

Not all chairs are meant for sitting.

Princeton University

These are meant for use with cosmetics.

The New York Times

"Miracles are meant for greater things".

The New York Times

'The messages are meant for us alone.

The Guardian - Books

These folks are meant for each other.

The New Yorker

Typical rough surface contact models are meant for dry conditions.

Procedia Engineering

The presentations are meant for an all female audience.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are meant for", ensure that the intended purpose is clear and directly related to the subject. For example, "These tools are meant for precise measurements" provides a clear purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "are meant for" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor or agent. Instead of "Mistakes are meant for being learned from", prefer "We are meant for learning from mistakes" to emphasize agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are meant for" functions as a predicative expression indicating the intended purpose or design of a subject. It connects the subject to its intended use, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are meant for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the intended purpose or design of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "are designed for" or "are intended for" exist, "are meant for" is versatile and appropriate for most situations. Effective use involves ensuring clarity in the intended purpose and avoiding overly passive constructions. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can use "are meant for" to convey intended use with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are designed for

Emphasizes the design or engineering aspect of the intended purpose.

are intended for

Focuses on the intention or plan behind the purpose.

are purposed for

Highlights the specified purpose for something.

are suited for

Implies a fitness or appropriateness for a particular use.

are used for

States the utility or function of something.

are built for

Focuses on the construction and purpose-driven build of an object.

serve as

Indicates the role or function something fulfills.

function as

Emphasizes the operational aspect of the intended use.

are made to

Highlights the act of creation with a specific purpose in mind.

are geared toward

Suggests an alignment or orientation towards a certain outcome or demographic.

FAQs

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

Use "are meant for" to indicate the intended purpose or function of something. For example, "These instructions are meant for beginners" or "This software are meant for data analysis".

What phrases are similar to "are meant for"?

Similar phrases include "are designed for", "are intended for", or "are suited for". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal alternative to "are meant for"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "are designed for" or "are intended for" as they sound more professional. However, "are meant for" is acceptable in most situations.

How does the meaning of "are meant for" differ from "are used for"?

"Are meant for" implies an intended purpose or design, whereas "are used for" simply describes a current or past usage, whether intended or not. Something are meant for one thing, but currently "are used for" something else.