be reserved for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be reserved for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when something has been set aside for a specific purpose or person. For example, "The top prize will be reserved for the grand prize winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tickets can be reserved for $100.

The New York Times - Sports

(Stock can be reserved for another use).

The New York Times - Food

Should it be reserved for initiates?

The New York Times - Arts

I felt those roles should be reserved for men..

The New Yorker

Rather, the death penalty should be reserved for exceptional circumstances.

The New York Times

That privilege will be reserved for America's spies.

The Economist

It shouldn't be reserved for the fortunate few.

The Washington Post

Sex should be reserved for marriage, he said.

The Guardian

That used to be reserved for the extreme rightwing.

The Guardian

Half the seats will be reserved for invited guests.

The New York Times

I felt those roles should be reserved for men...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be reserved for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being set aside and for whom or what it is intended. This clarifies the exclusivity or special designation being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "be reserved for" when a simpler phrase like "is for" or "is intended for" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be reserved for" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is designated or set aside for a specific purpose, person, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be reserved for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates something is specifically set aside for a particular purpose or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile, spanning across news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "be reserved for" effectively communicates exclusivity, writers should avoid overuse in simple situations where more direct phrasing would suffice. Remember to clearly state what is being reserved and for whom to enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be designated for

Focuses on the act of designating something for a specific purpose.

be set aside for

Emphasizes the action of separating something for a particular use.

be allocated to

Highlights the distribution of resources for a specific recipient or purpose.

be earmarked for

Implies that something is specifically designated for a particular purpose, often financial.

be intended for

Focuses on the intended purpose or recipient of something.

be assigned to

Emphasizes the act of assigning something for a specific use or person.

be kept for

Highlights the action of retaining something for a specific future use.

be saved for

Focuses on the action of saving something for a particular moment or use.

be exclusively for

Emphasizes that something is only for a certain purpose or group.

be limited to

Highlights that something is restricted to a specific use or group.

FAQs

How can I use "be reserved for" in a sentence?

Use "be reserved for" to indicate that something is specifically designated for a particular purpose, person, or situation. For example, "These seats are reserved for the elderly" or "This fund should be reserved for emergency situations".

What are some alternatives to "be reserved for"?

You can use alternatives such as "be designated for", "be set aside for", or "be intended for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be reserved for" or "should be reserved for"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "should be reserved for" adds a layer of recommendation or advisability. "Be reserved for" simply states a fact or policy, while "should be reserved for" suggests a course of action.

Can "be reserved for" imply exclusivity?

Yes, "be reserved for" often implies exclusivity, meaning something is specifically set aside and not available for general use. For example, stating that "This parking space is reserved for employees" indicates that it's not for customers or visitors.