generally intended for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally intended for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the primary purpose or audience of something, indicating that it is meant for a specific group or use, but not exclusively. Example: "This software is generally intended for small businesses looking to streamline their operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

To this end, the NuGEN WT-Ovation™ Pico RNA Amplification System, which is generally intended for microarray applications, was initially used to generate large amounts of single stranded DNA from a small initial quantity of RNA using a three step process following the manufacturer's instructions.

Plosone

Yet this kind of software is not generally intended for entertainment listening.

The New York Times - Tech

Agent based computing is generally intended for modeling and implementation of distributed complex problems.

Expert Systems with Applications

Ken Hitchner, a spokesman for New Jersey Transit, said the authority issues track safety messages, but they are generally intended for school audiences and not adult commuters.

The New York Times

"Suicide is generally intended for one victim," said Richard Perrin, under sheriff of the Lake County Sheriff's Department, who was at the scene of the suicide in Michigan.

The New York Times

Rod Kelley, a spokesman for Sigma-Aldrich, said that his company's hexamethonium was not generally intended for human use and that he could not immediately find any record that Johns Hopkins had been provided human-grade material.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

This article is mostly intended for children.

WikiHow

Do not call/text the original sender in a rage; forward messages are generally intended to be for entertainment value, and so, there is no need to start an argument.

WikiHow

By the eve of World War I all of the major navies included submarines in their fleets, but these craft were relatively small, were considered of questionable military value, and generally were intended for coastal operations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are generally only intended for very young children, so be sure the violin you're buying is full size unless you're very small.

WikiHow

Hoax, a falsehood generally intended to fool and to entertain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally intended for", ensure that you are accurately representing the typical or primary purpose without excluding other potential uses or audiences. Provide context to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "generally intended for" when the purpose is exclusive or explicitly stated otherwise. Using it in such contexts can be misleading. Instead, use phrases like "specifically designed for" or "exclusively for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally intended for" functions as a qualifier, specifying the typical or primary purpose or target group of something. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests a common or expected use without precluding other possibilities. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from software applications to medical procedures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generally intended for" serves to communicate the primary or typical purpose of something, allowing for other potential uses. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and general reference. When writing, be mindful not to overstate the intended use and to provide sufficient context. Alternatives like "typically designed for" or "primarily aimed at" can offer more specific nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "generally intended for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically designed for

Emphasizes design as the primary factor for intended use, shifting the focus from intention to design.

primarily aimed at

Highlights the target audience or goal, focusing on direction and purpose.

mostly geared toward

Suggests a strong inclination or adaptation towards a specific purpose or group.

commonly used for

Focuses on the typical application rather than the original intent.

largely purposed for

Emphasizes the purpose or function as the main consideration.

ordinarily designated for

Implies an official or formal assignment to a specific use.

frequently utilized by

Highlights the users and their regular use of something.

naturally suited to

Focuses on inherent qualities that make something appropriate for a specific task.

inherently designed to

Highlights the design as the inherent quality.

specifically targeted at

Emphasizes a precise and intentional focus on a particular group or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "generally intended for" in a sentence?

The phrase "generally intended for" is used to describe the main or typical purpose of something. For example, "This software is generally intended for small businesses."

What's a good alternative to "generally intended for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "typically designed for", "primarily aimed at", or "mostly geared toward", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it incorrect to use "generally intended for" when there are other possible uses?

No, the phrase "generally intended for" implies a primary purpose, but it doesn't exclude other uses. It suggests that the item or service is most commonly or suitably used for a specific purpose, without being limited to it.

What is the difference between "generally intended for" and "specifically designed for"?

"Generally intended for" suggests a common or typical use, while "specifically designed for" indicates that something was created with a particular purpose in mind. The latter implies a more deliberate and exclusive design.