born to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "born to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone's innate ability or tendency. For example, "He was born to be a leader; everyone knew he'd make a great president someday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Human beings are not born to be alone.

WikiHow

Born to be bad.

The New Yorker

The Kurds were born to be betrayed.

Independent

"Bella was born to be mayor.

The New York Times

"Everyone born to be free".

The Guardian

Carter, Born to Be President, 1984.

Stanford University

I'm born to be mild, I guess.

Columbia University

Born to Be an Ear Wiggler?

The New York Times - Science

Some people are born to be leaders.

The New York Times

Boyhood, Born to Be Blue, First Reformed..

The Times

"He was born to be a soldier".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "born to be" to describe someone's inherent qualities or aptitudes. It adds a sense of destiny or natural inclination to your writing.

Common error

While "born to be" effectively conveys inherent qualities, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound clichéd or melodramatic. Opt for more specific and nuanced language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "born to be" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to attribute an inherent quality, skill, or destiny to a person or thing. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to denote a predestined characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "born to be" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone's innate qualities or destiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While its versatility is a strength, overuse should be avoided to prevent cliché. Alternatives like "destined to be" or "meant to be" can provide nuance. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destined to be

Suggests a future event or condition that is inevitable or preordained.

meant to be

Implies a sense of fate or purpose directing someone towards a specific outcome.

cut out for

Indicates a natural aptitude or suitability for a particular role or activity.

made for

Highlights a perfect fit or compatibility between a person and a role or activity.

suited for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or qualifications for a specific task or position.

gifted at

Focuses on the natural talent or ability one possesses.

talented in

Highlights innate skill and proficiency in a particular area.

inclined to be

Suggests a natural tendency or predisposition towards a certain behavior or trait.

predisposed to be

Indicates a genetic or inherent susceptibility to a particular condition or characteristic.

a natural at

Highlights someone who effortlessly excels in a specific field.

FAQs

How can I use "born to be" in a sentence?

You can use "born to be" to describe someone's inherent aptitude or destiny, for example: "She was "born to be" a leader".

What is a good alternative to "born to be"?

Alternatives include "destined to be", "meant to be", or "cut out for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "born to be"?

Yes, "born to be" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Ludwig AI also confirms this correctness.

What does "born to be" imply?

"Born to be" implies that someone has an innate quality or destiny, suggesting that their talents or characteristics were predetermined from birth.