be suitable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be suitable for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something has all of the necessary qualities for a particular purpose. For example, "This computer system should be suitable for the needs of a small business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have some new medicine she might be suitable for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said "The Street" would be suitable for broadcast television.

The New York Times

But the form will not be suitable for all organisations.

The Guardian

"And not every child will be suitable for adoption".

The Guardian

Movies rated G are supposed to be suitable for children.

The New York Times

It promises to be suitable for normal to oily hair.

The New York Times

It won't be suitable for anyone with a heart condition.

Independent

This approach may be suitable for corporations having few shareholders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some content may not be suitable for all audiences.

TechCrunch

The iPhone "may not be suitable for heavy text use".

TechCrunch

This may be suitable for clinical applications.

Toxicon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be suitable for", ensure the context clearly defines what makes something appropriate, fitting, or qualified for its intended purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "be suitable for" without specifying the criteria for suitability. For example, instead of saying "This product is suitable", specify "This product is suitable for outdoor use due to its weather-resistant features."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be suitable for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, indicating that a subject possesses the necessary qualities or characteristics to fulfill a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to express appropriateness or qualification. Many examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from medical treatments to movie ratings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be suitable for" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something possesses the necessary qualities for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and common in written English. As demonstrated by numerous examples from Ludwig, it appears frequently in Science, News & Media and Wiki across various registers, and its meaning can be fine-tuned with alternatives like "be appropriate for" or "be fitting for". When employing this phrase, remember to clearly specify the criteria for suitability to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be appropriate for

Emphasizes the fittingness or correctness for a particular situation or purpose.

be fitting for

Highlights the quality of being in harmony or agreement with something.

be right for

Focuses on the correctness or appropriateness of a choice or match.

be adequate for

Indicates that something is sufficient or acceptable for a specific requirement.

be qualified for

Suggests that something meets the necessary criteria or standards.

be acceptable for

Implies that something is satisfactory or permissible for a particular use.

be designed for

Focuses on the intended purpose or function of something.

be tailored for

Emphasizes that something is specifically adapted or customized.

be applicable to

Highlights the relevance or connection of something to a specific context.

be compatible with

Indicates that something can coexist or function well with something else.

FAQs

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

Use "be suitable for" to indicate that something possesses the necessary qualities or characteristics to fulfill a specific purpose or requirement. For example, "This software is "be suitable for" managing small business finances".

What are some alternatives to "be suitable for"?

You can use alternatives such as "be appropriate for", "be fitting for", or "be qualified for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be suitable for" or "be suited to"?

"Be suitable for" and "be suited to" are often interchangeable, but "be suited to" can imply a more natural or inherent fit, while ""be suitable for"" simply means it meets the requirements.

Can "be suitable for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be suitable for" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, as it's a clear and professional way to express that something meets the necessary criteria for a particular purpose.