earmarked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earmarked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe setting aside a specific amount of money, resources, or time for a specific purpose. For example: The library has earmarked $500 for the purchase of new books.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The fuel tax is earmarked for highways.

The Economist

The rest is earmarked for compensating investors.

The Economist

Money for the future, earmarked for surgery.

The New Yorker

Half the money was earmarked for Medicaid.

The New York Times

They embezzle money earmarked for development projects.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is earmarked for completion by 2022.

The Guardian

But that place was earmarked for me.

The Guardian

Others were earmarked for a museum Hitler planned to curate.

The New York Times

Tells about the discovery of the treasures earmarked for him.

The New Yorker

A sum equivalent to $730m was earmarked for defence.

The Economist

The money is earmarked for environmental and safety-related projects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about budgets or financial allocations, "earmarked for" is particularly effective, highlighting that funds are not just generally available but designated for a specific use.

Common error

While "earmarked for" is generally acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in informal writing. In casual conversations, consider alternatives like "set aside for" or "saved for" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earmarked for" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the specific purpose or recipient for which something has been designated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression in English, denoting that resources or items have been set aside for a particular use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earmarked for" is a widely used prepositional phrase that indicates something has been specifically designated for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both grammatically correct and commonly used in English. As demonstrated by the provided examples, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by scientific and business settings. Alternatives such as "designated for", "allocated to", and "reserved for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure the use of "earmarked for" is appropriate for the context, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Use this phrase to clearly communicate that resources have been set aside for a specific intent, enhancing clarity and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designated for

This alternative is a more formal synonym, suitable for official contexts.

allocated to

This alternative focuses on the act of distributing resources for a specific use.

reserved for

This alternative emphasizes keeping something aside for a particular purpose.

set aside for

This alternative is a more informal way of saying something is being kept for a specific reason.

intended for

This alternative focuses on the planned use of something.

assigned to

This alternative highlights the act of giving a specific task or purpose to something.

devoted to

This alternative suggests a dedicated commitment of resources to a cause or purpose.

saved for

This alternative focuses on the act of preserving something for future use.

put by for

This alternative is an informal expression indicating saving something for a specific purpose.

budgeted for

This alternative specifically relates to financial planning and allocation.

FAQs

How to use "earmarked for" in a sentence?

The phrase "earmarked for" is used to indicate that something, typically money or resources, has been designated for a specific purpose. For example, "The funds were "earmarked for" the new school project."

What can I say instead of "earmarked for"?

You can use alternatives like "designated for", "allocated to", or "reserved for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "earmarked for" or "earmarked to"?

"Earmarked for" is the correct and more common usage. "Earmarked to" is grammatically incorrect. You should always use "for" when specifying the purpose something is set aside for.

What's the difference between "earmarked for" and "intended for"?

"Earmarked for" implies a formal designation, often involving a specific allocation of resources. "Intended for", on the other hand, simply suggests a planned use without necessarily implying a formal allocation. The former suggests formal designation, the latter is planning.