are meant to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are meant to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a belief that two things are linked together by fate or destiny. For example, "We are meant to be together forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are meant to be.

The Economist

They are meant to be handled.

The New Yorker

"We are meant to be hungry".

The New Yorker

They are meant to be taken together.

The New York Times

The interventions are meant to be invisible.

The New York Times - Arts

Action films are meant to be fun.

Independent

Other puzzles are meant to be explored.

The New York Times

"Certain things are meant to be".

The New York Times

They are meant to be funny.

The Guardian - Music

Plays are meant to be played at.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Remember that commentaries are meant to be helpful or useful.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are meant to be" to express a strong sense of purpose or destiny. This phrase is best suited when describing intentions, inherent qualities, or expected outcomes that are deeply ingrained or predetermined.

Common error

Avoid using "are meant to be" in situations where a simpler phrase like "should be" or "are expected to be" would convey the same meaning more concisely. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are meant to be" functions as a modal expression indicating intention, destiny, or inherent purpose. It connects a subject with a predicated state that is considered pre-ordained or designed. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are meant to be" is a versatile expression used to convey intention, destiny, or inherent purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. While it's common to express strong beliefs or pre-ordained outcomes, avoid overuse in situations where simpler alternatives suffice. Remember to consider the subtle differences between "are meant to be" and similar phrases like ""are intended to be"" or ""are supposed to be"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are intended to be

Emphasizes the intention or design behind something's existence or function.

are designed to be

Highlights the deliberate engineering or planning involved.

are supposed to be

Implies an expectation or convention that may or may not be fulfilled.

are destined to be

Suggests a predetermined or inevitable outcome.

are expected to be

Focuses on anticipation or prediction based on current knowledge.

are fated to be

Conveys a sense of unavoidable destiny, often with a dramatic tone.

are predetermined to be

Stresses that the outcome was decided in advance and cannot be changed.

are created to be

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

are naturally

Implies an inherent quality or characteristic that something possesses.

are intrinsically

Emphasizes that a characteristic is an essential part of something's nature.

FAQs

How can I use "are meant to be" in a sentence?

Use "are meant to be" to indicate a predetermined purpose, destiny, or inherent quality. For example, "Some things "are meant to be", and you can't change them."

What are some alternatives to "are meant to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are intended to be", "are designed to be", or "are supposed to be". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to purpose or expectation.

Is "was meant to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was meant to be" is grammatically correct. It's the past tense form of "are meant to be" and indicates that something was intended or destined in the past but may not have come to fruition.

What is the difference between "are meant to be" and "are intended to be"?

"Are meant to be" often carries a stronger sense of destiny or inherent purpose, while ""are intended to be"" focuses more on the deliberate plan or intention behind something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize fate or design.