for which it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for which it was" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the reason or purpose for something, and it is usually followed by a noun or a verb in the past tense. Example: The company invested in new technology, for which it was recognized as a leader in the industry. Here, "for which it was recognized" means that the company was recognized (past tense verb) because of the new technology (noun). Another example: She built a greenhouse, for which it was perfect to grow her favorite plants. In this sentence, "for which it was perfect" means that the greenhouse was perfect (adjective) for growing her favorite plants (noun).

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

and copyright may subsist in a work irrespective of its quality or the purpose for which it was created.

Harvard University

... of its proximity to Scripps Institution of Oceanography, for which it was named.

Britannica

However, its ability may be attenuated outside of the population for which it was designed.

General Hospital Psychiatry

In its 10-K for 1995 Miravant listed 11 diseases for which it was developing treatments.

Forbes

Suction problems prevent a pump from providing the performance for which it was designed.

World Pumps

The second model took on different characteristics according to the preference for which it was optimized.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We know the reef still retains the values for which it was listed as world heritage.

The Guardian

It has never been shown on French television, the medium for which it was originally produced.

The New York Times

We spent some time throwing the parrot some pretzels, for which it was grateful.

The New York Times

The cheap-gas America for which it was designed no longer exists.

The New York Times

The latter are welcome and put the area to one use for which it was intended.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for which it was", ensure the preceding noun is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This maintains clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid separating "for which it was" too far from the noun it modifies. Placing other phrases or clauses in between can create confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for which it was" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a preceding noun. According to Ludwig, it often indicates the reason or purpose behind something. This is evident in examples where it clarifies the intended function or design of an object or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for which it was" serves as a relative clause clarifying the purpose, intent, or original design behind something. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in written English. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to position this phrase close to the noun it modifies, avoiding any ambiguous sentence structures. While effective, simpler alternatives like "that it was intended for" or "what it was" might be preferable in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for which it had been

Emphasizes a past state or condition relating to the purpose.

for which it has been

Highlights a present state resulting from a past purpose.

for what it was

More concise and informal way to refer to the purpose.

that it was intended for

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the original intention.

which it was intended to

Focuses on the intended action or outcome.

that it was designed to

Highlights the design or planning aspect.

to which it was

Inverts the structure to emphasize the object or goal.

for what it served as

Highlights the function or service provided.

given its intended purpose

Introduces a condition based on the original purpose.

considering its origin

Refers to the initial creation or reason for existence.

FAQs

How can I use "for which it was" in a sentence?

Use "for which it was" to clarify the purpose or original intention behind something. For example, "The tool, "for which it was" designed, is now obsolete".

What's a more concise alternative to "for which it was"?

Consider using phrases like "that it was intended for" or "for what it was" to shorten your sentence while maintaining clarity.

How does the formality of "for which it was" affect its usage?

"For which it was" is suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, simpler constructions like "what it was" might be more appropriate.

Is "for which it was" always necessary, or can it be omitted?

The necessity of "for which it was" depends on the context. If the purpose or original intention is already clear, omitting the phrase might improve conciseness. However, if clarity is paramount, include ""for which it was"".