be spent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be spent on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the allocation of resources, such as time or money, towards a specific purpose or project. Example: "The budget will be spent on improving the infrastructure of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Part of this money should be spent on students".

The New York Times

What will it be spent on?

The Guardian

About £420m could be spent on potholes.

The Guardian

Rebates cannot be spent on used cars.

The New York Times

7. Less time will be spent on clerical work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And besides, what else would this money be spent on?

The Economist

How many "political-action points" should be spent on advertising?

The New Yorker

But will the money actually be spent on these remedies?

The Economist

More still would be spent on river conservation.

The Economist

Up to ¥1 trillion is to be spent on them.

The Economist

Money saved could then be spent on financing health care.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "be allocated to" or "be invested in" when you want to add nuance or emphasize the purpose or expected outcome of the spending.

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "We will spend the money on...", use "The money will "be spent on"..." when the focus is on the money itself rather than the spender.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be spent on" functions as a passive construction indicating how resources, typically money, are allocated or utilized. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It directly links the resource to its purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be spent on" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe the allocation of resources, particularly money. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. While synonyms like "be allocated to" or "be used for" exist, "be spent on" remains a direct and widely understood choice for expressing resource allocation. When utilizing it, ensure the passive voice is appropriate and focus on clarity in indicating where the resources are directed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be allocated to

Focuses on the formal distribution of resources.

be used for

Emphasizes the purpose for which something is utilized.

be devoted to

Highlights dedication and commitment in resource allocation.

be invested in

Suggests a strategic allocation with an expectation of return.

be channeled into

Implies a directed flow of resources towards a specific area.

be put towards

Indicates a contribution to a larger goal or project.

be applied to

Stresses the practical implementation or use of resources.

be directed at

Focuses on the target or recipient of the resource allocation.

be earmarked for

Highlights a specific designation for a particular purpose.

be consumed by

Suggests that a resource is depleted or used up by something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be spent on" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "be allocated to", "be designated for", or "be utilized for" depending on the context. These alternatives provide a more formal tone while maintaining the same basic meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be spent for" instead of "be spent on"?

While "be spent for" might be understood, "be spent on" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. It's generally better to use "on" to indicate what the money or resources are being used for.

What's the difference between "be spent on" and "be used for"?

"Be spent on" typically refers to monetary resources, whereas "be used for" can refer to any type of resource, including time, effort, or materials. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "be spent on" is more specific to financial allocations.

Can "be spent on" be used in contexts other than financial discussions?

Yes, although it's less common, "be spent on" can be used to describe how time or energy is allocated. For example, "More time will "be spent on" /s/mastery" can work but other expressions might be better in the context.