Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be value for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "be value for" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incorrect construction and does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "The service should be value for money." (Note: the correct phrase would be "value for money.")
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
19 human-written examples
The UN could have spent 10 times that amount and still be value for money.
News & Media
They say it is too early to tell if the plans will be value for money.
News & Media
He added: "Packaged accounts can be value for money but only if people make use of the added benefits they're paying for".
News & Media
In 2011, the then foreign secretary William Hague and the then international development secretary Andrew Mitchell nevertheless pressed ahead with the runway construction claiming it would be value for money, even though it was deemed high risk.
News & Media
But Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, criticised the government's "totally chaotic" handling of the project as he told the BBC: "There's no blank cheque from a Labour Treasury for HS2, it's got to be value for money".
News & Media
Nonetheless, one of the speakers at the gathering, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of Great Britain, said there would be value for many participants simply in having met and become acquainted with people of other faiths.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
Will these austerity schools prove to be value-for-money schools?
News & Media
Given the high cost of readmission and the high average risk of readmission for patients with a reference condition (45% for these Queensland data), it is likely that a case-management intervention offered to all patients with a reference condition could be value-for-money, but perhaps not cost-saving.
Science
"Placing yourself in an environment where you can be valued for your talents is your responsibility".
News & Media
Whatever option is chosen, the property will need to be valued for the settlement.
News & Media
Women are to be valued for so much more than their sexuality.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing if something provides adequate return, use "offer good value" or "provide value" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Instead of using the grammatically awkward phrase "be value for", opt for more established phrases like "offer value for money" or "provide value" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "be value for" is often intended to express that something is worth its cost or provides a good return on investment. However, it's not a standard grammatical construction. Ludwig AI highlights that it's more appropriate to use phrases like "offer value" or "provide value".
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "be value for" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's typically used to express that something is worth its cost, but standard English prefers alternatives like "offer good value" or "provide value". This analysis is supported by examples from news outlets and scientific publications. When writing, prioritize clarity and credibility by using more established phrases.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
offer good value
This alternative focuses on the worth or benefit provided in relation to the cost.
provide value
This focuses on the act of delivering worth or benefit, making it more direct.
be cost-effective
This phrase emphasizes the efficiency of the expenditure in achieving a result.
be worthwhile
This suggests that the benefits justify the effort or cost involved.
represent a good investment
This frames the action as something that will yield positive returns.
be economical
This highlights the aspect of being thrifty and avoiding waste.
be a good deal
This is a more informal way of saying something is a beneficial purchase.
justify the expense
This suggests that the benefits are significant enough to warrant the cost.
be advantageous
This implies the action will lead to favorable outcomes or gains.
be beneficial
This suggests that the action will result in positive effects or improvements.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "be value for"?
Consider using phrases like "offer good value", "provide value", or "be cost-effective" for clearer communication.
Is "be value for" grammatically correct?
No, the phrase "be value for" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use established phrases like "offer value" or "provide value".
How can I use "offer good value" in a sentence?
You might say, "This product offers good value for the price" or "The service should offer good value for money".
What's the difference between "be value for money" and "offer value for money"?
"Be value for money" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "offer value for money", which means something is worth its price.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested