for what used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for what used" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete or incorrect expression, and it does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "I am unsure for what used this tool is intended."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Already a few times they've gone off with friends instead of joining us for what used to be mandatory family activities, such as Halloween and Fourth of July.

The New York Times

Purported deregulation of the cable industry has not brought us lower TV rates: we pay more than ever for what used to be free.

The New York Times

Very sad for what used to be a premier service under GNER.

The Guardian - Money

This is the latest technology for what used to be called blindfold chess.

The New York Times

The consequence of this ambiguity for what used to be called "high politics" has been dire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just a humiliation for what used to be a proud Patriots defense.

The New York Times

But that's not a bad thing for what used to be known as the Perrier prize to reward.

The Guardian

Where should they draw the line on printing words once thought unfit for what used to be called polite company?

The New York Times

"In fact, it is getting hard to shop for what used to be ordinary clothes," she says.

The Economist

"The private market is emerging as a substitute for what used to be done only in the public markets".

The New York Times

We can start by redefining mise en place for what used to be called "the servantless household".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that has changed over time, consider using clearer alternatives like "what was formerly" or "what once was" instead of the grammatically questionable phrase "for what used".

Common error

Avoid using "for what used" because it's not grammatically correct. Rephrase your sentence to use a clearer structure, such as "what used to be" or "what was previously".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for what used" functions as part of a prepositional phrase, often introducing a clause that describes a past state or condition. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect, even though it appears frequently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "for what used" appears with considerable frequency, particularly in News & Media, it is considered grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig. Its primary function is to reference a past state or condition, often highlighting a change. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "what used to be", "what was formerly", or "what once was". These alternatives provide similar meaning without the grammatical issues. Despite its common usage, especially in journalistic contexts, aiming for grammatical precision will enhance the credibility and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was formerly

Emphasizes the previous state or condition of something.

what once was

Highlights a past condition or identity that no longer exists.

as it used to be

Focuses on a comparison between the present and a past state.

the former version

Refers to a previous iteration or state of something.

what previously served as

Indicates the prior function or role of something.

what it was before

Simple and direct way to refer to a past condition.

in its original form

Highlights the initial state or condition of something.

what it had been

Implies a change from a past condition or state.

prior to its current state

Focuses on the situation before a specific change occurred.

what once designated

Highlights a past definition or name.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "for what used"?

Instead of "for what used", you can use phrases like "what used to be", "what was formerly", or "what once was" to express a similar idea with better grammatical correctness.

Is "for what used" grammatically correct?

No, "for what used" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use clearer and more standard phrases like "what used to be" or "what it used to be".

How can I rephrase a sentence using "for what used"?

If you have a sentence using "for what used", try rephrasing it with "what used to be". For example, instead of "for what used to be the main road", say "what used to be the main road".

What is the difference between "for what used" and "what used to be"?

"For what used" is not a standard or grammatically sound phrase. "What used to be" is the correct way to refer to something's former state or condition.