custom-made for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "custom-made for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been specifically designed or tailored to meet the needs or preferences of a particular person or group. Example: "The dress was custom-made for her, ensuring a perfect fit and unique style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The most common is the use of earplugs specially made for musicians (and sometimes custom-made for individuals).

The New York Times - Arts

I made it to the national championships in used skates that were custom-made for another girl".

Huffington Post

It seemed custom-made for me.

The New Yorker

The vessel would be custom-made for any buyer.

The New York Times

Stage 18 seemed custom-made for their rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

Those locales are gorgeous, custom-made for exaltation by a lyrically inclined writer.

The New York Times - Books

If ever there were a newspaper headline custom-made for Jay Leno's monologue, this was it.

The New York Times

That production was custom-made for its stars: Ethel Merman, Bob Hope and Jimmy Durante.

The New York Times

These were custom-made for each uniform and attached to the hangers.

The New York Times - Arts

But what would fill that building, which will be custom-made for recent art?

The New York Times - Arts

Previously, spacecraft were custom-made for each mission and the models were not reusable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "custom-made for", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom the item is designed for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The software was custom-made for small businesses" is more informative than simply "The software was custom-made".

Common error

Avoid using "custom-made for" when "suitable for" or "appropriate for" would suffice. Overusing "custom-made for" in general contexts dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "custom-made for" functions as a compound adjective followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun, indicating that something has been specifically designed or tailored to meet particular requirements or preferences. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

10%

Books

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "custom-made for" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe something specifically designed or tailored for a particular purpose or individual. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, emphasizing a unique suitability or appropriateness. Alternatives include "tailor-made for" and "specially designed for", though "custom-made for" is often preferred for its emphasis on personalization. When writing, be precise about what or whom the item is designed for and avoid overuse in general contexts. This ensures clarity and maintains the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tailor-made for

Implies a precise and personalized adaptation, similar to "custom-made for" but emphasizes individual fitting.

made to order for

Highlights the bespoke aspect of a product being created upon request, mirroring the individualized nature of "custom-made for".

specifically designed for

Focuses on the intentional creation of something with a particular purpose in mind, like "custom-made for".

perfectly suited for

Highlights the ideal match between something and its intended use, similar to the fit implied by "custom-made for".

uniquely crafted for

Emphasizes the special and individual nature of the creation, comparable to the personalized aspect of "custom-made for".

specially adapted for

Implies modification or adjustment to meet particular requirements, akin to the tailoring in "custom-made for".

purpose-built for

Stresses that something was created with a specific aim or function, sharing the intentionality of "custom-made for".

designed with someone in mind

Highlights the focus on a specific recipient or user during the design process, paralleling the personalized aspect of "custom-made for".

fashioned to fit

Focuses on creating something to precisely match specific dimensions or requirements, much like "custom-made for".

created to meet the needs of

Stresses that something was made in order to satisfy particular requirements, sharing the intentionality of "custom-made for".

FAQs

How can I use "custom-made for" in a sentence?

Use "custom-made for" to describe something specifically designed to fit particular needs or preferences. For example, "The suit was custom-made for him" indicates that the suit was tailored to his specific measurements and style.

What are some alternatives to "custom-made for"?

You can use alternatives like "tailor-made for", "specially designed for", or "purpose-built for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "custom-made for" or "custom made for"?

"Custom-made for" is generally preferred when used as a compound adjective. "Custom made for" might be acceptable in other contexts, but "custom-made for" is more common and stylistically consistent.

What's the difference between "custom-made for" and "designed for"?

"Custom-made for" emphasizes a personalized fit or specific tailoring, while "designed for" simply indicates an intended purpose or audience. A product "designed for" a purpose may be mass-produced, whereas a product "custom-made for" a person is often unique.