bred for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bred for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was purposely bred or trained to do a certain thing, such as animals or plants. For example, "Labradors are a breed of dog bred for their gentle temperament and intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was bred for this.

The Economist

I was bred for camping, essentially.

The New York Times

"They're bred for shelf life".

The New York Times

But he's not bred for this distance.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, she was bred for it.

The Guardian - Music

"For sure, he is bred for speed," Biancone said.

The New York Times - Sports

Roses have been specially bred for Roland Garros.

The New York Times

Strawberries are bred for their luscious flavor, not for shipping.

The New York Times

Carla was literally bred for success as a business manager.

Harvard Business Review

The "farm fresh" apple is bred for long-distance travel.

The New York Times

Fox terriers were bred for foxhunting, but not on foot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To provide more nuance, consider specifying the qualities that were targeted during the breeding process. For instance, "The dog was bred for its tracking abilities and gentle temperament."

Common error

Avoid overusing "bred for" in contexts where other forms of development or training are more appropriate. While it's accurate for selective breeding, it doesn't apply well to skills acquired through general education or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bred for" functions as a post-positive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate the intended purpose or characteristics resulting from selective breeding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a deliberate process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bred for" is a versatile expression used to indicate the intended purpose or characteristics of a plant or animal due to selective breeding. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While generally neutral, its context is often related to science, news, or academic discussions. Understanding its function and register helps ensure its proper use, avoiding potential misinterpretations or overuse in inappropriate scenarios. Common synonyms include "developed for", "designed for", and "cultivated for", offering options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purpose-built for

Highlights that something has been specifically constructed to serve a particular purpose.

custom-made for

Indicates that something was specifically created to meet particular needs or requirements.

selected for

Emphasizes the choice of specific traits or characteristics.

designed for

Highlights the planning and intention behind its creation.

trained for

Specifically relates to skills and abilities acquired through instruction.

developed for

Suggests a process of improvement and refinement.

cultivated for

Emphasizes careful development over time.

created for

Focuses on the act of making something with a specific aim.

prepared for

Indicates readiness and suitability for a particular task or environment.

raised for

Focuses on the upbringing or nurturing aspect.

FAQs

How is the phrase "bred for" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "bred for" is used to describe the purpose for which an animal or plant has been selectively bred, like in the sentence, "These dogs were "bred for" their herding abilities".

What are some alternatives to saying something was "bred for" a specific purpose?

Alternatives include "developed for", "designed for", or "cultivated for", depending on whether you're emphasizing development, planning, or careful growth.

Is it correct to use "bred for" when referring to human skills or traits?

While technically accurate in some contexts, using "bred for" for human traits can be misleading. Terms like "trained for" or "prepared for" are often more appropriate to describe human abilities gained through learning.

How does the meaning of "bred for" differ from "raised for"?

"Bred for" implies selective breeding to enhance specific traits, whereas "raised for" focuses on the care and nurturing during development. For example, chickens can be ""bred for"" meat production and "raised for" optimal health.