intended for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intended for someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to specify that something is meant or designed for a particular person or group. Example: "This message is intended for someone who can help with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Fifty patients received radiation intended for someone else, including one brain cancer patient who received radiation intended for breast cancer.

The New York Times - Health

Gretchen's faced the street and was intended for someone who was paralyzed.

The New Yorker

Some Western security analysts initially thought the bomb had been intended for someone else.

The New York Times

The police were investigating whether Mr. Saunders was hit by gunfire intended for someone else.

The New York Times

Her daughter had been preparing for her high school graduation when a bullet intended for someone else fatally struck her.

The New York Times

Our young bird-catcher forfeits his livelihood — those larks intended for someone else's dinner — for a fleeting tributary display.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Barton replied by email: 'No, we do not intend for someone else to do the analysis.

The Guardian

In a visual sense a smokescreen is a barrier that blocks out light, concealing something behind it that someone intends for someone else not to see.

Huffington Post

It is unclear, however, what the heart was intended for or whether someone's life was on the line, the Times reports.

HuffPost

It wasn't obvious, at first, whether the bomb had been intended for House, or for someone else, or for no one in particular whether its aim was specific violence or a more generalized mayhem.

The New Yorker

The website for the It's Not Okay campaign elaborates on the message and makes it clear who it's intended for: "It's not okay for someone to manipulate you into doing sexual things for their own or someone else's benefit".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying the intended recipient, be specific. Instead of "This gift is intended for someone", specify "This gift is intended for my mother".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating who the item or action is for. Saying "This was intended for someone" without further clarification can lead to confusion or misdirection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intended for someone" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to specify the intended recipient or purpose of something. Ludwig AI shows it is frequently used to indicate the target of an action or object, clarifying who or what it is meant for.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intended for someone" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to clarify the target or recipient of an action, object, or message. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to provide context and prevent ambiguity across various communication styles, from formal academic papers to informal news articles. Its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for specifying purpose. Remember to specify clearly who the "someone" is to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "meant for somebody" or "designed for an individual" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase finds frequent use in News & Media, Academic, and Encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meant for somebody

Replaces "someone" with "somebody", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more informal tone.

designed for an individual

Substitutes "intended" with "designed" and "someone" with "an individual", emphasizing the planning aspect.

tailored for a person

Uses "tailored" to highlight a specific adaptation and "person" instead of "someone".

created for a specific recipient

Replaces "intended" with "created" and "someone" with "a specific recipient", stressing the act of creation and a clear target.

reserved for a particular individual

Emphasizes that something is being kept or set aside for someone special.

purposed for a certain person

Uses "purposed" as a synonym for "intended", suggesting a deliberate aim.

geared toward somebody

Implies an alignment or direction towards a specific person.

aimed at an individual

Focuses on the target of the intention.

custom-made for a person

Highlights the personalized aspect of the intention.

suitable for a specific user

Focuses on appropriateness and usability for a certain person.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "intended for someone" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "meant for somebody", "designed for an individual", or "tailored for a person" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify who something is "intended for"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the intended recipient adds clarity and avoids confusion. Without specification, the statement "This is intended for someone" lacks actionable information.

What's the difference between "intended for someone" and "meant for someone"?

The phrases "intended for someone" and "meant for someone" are largely interchangeable. "Intended" implies a more deliberate plan or design, while "meant" can suggest a general purpose or destiny. Context usually determines the best choice.

Can "intended for someone" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "intended for someone" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise term like "designed for an individual" or "created for a specific recipient" would be more suitable.