intended use

USAGE SUMMARY

"intended use" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was designed to be used in a certain way, but might actually be used in a different way. For example: The intended use of the device was for home entertainment, but it can also be used for educational purposes.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't the intended use.

The Guardian - Tech

(iii) The intended use population and the intended use environment.

Cornell University

Performance measures must demonstrate device performance characteristics per the intended use in the intended use environment.

Cornell University

Second might indicate an intended use, say eating.

The New York Times - Science

Please specify format required, project deadline & intended use.

Harvard University

Don't violate the intended use of the Athena system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

4. Intended use of the material, e.g., educational.

Stanford University

The mechanical performance of developed composites meets the requirements of the intended use.

Construction and Building Materials

The agency requires manufacturers to ensure that cosmetics are safe for their intended use.

The New York Times

Of course some payments, such as personal care budgets, are rightly restricted to their intended use.

The Guardian - Opinion

The program's popularity comes despite warnings that it has grown far beyond its intended use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documents or user manuals, clearly define the "intended use" of the product to avoid misuse and ensure user safety.

Common error

Avoid defining the "intended use" too broadly, as this can lead to ambiguity and potential misinterpretation. Be specific about the target audience, environment, and functionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intended use" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the designed or expected function of a product, tool, or system. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intended use" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to the designed or expected function of something. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usage across various contexts. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific sources, often used to clarify the proper application of products, tools, or systems. Alternatives include "designated purpose" and "planned application". When using this phrase, it's crucial to be specific and avoid overly broad definitions to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed function

Highlights the purpose for which something was specifically designed.

designated purpose

Focuses on the specified or assigned purpose.

planned application

Highlights the application that was initially planned or designed.

anticipated function

Emphasizes the expected or foreseen function.

expected role

Focuses on the role that something is supposed to fulfill.

target application

Emphasizes the specific application that is aimed for.

prescribed usage

Highlights the official or recommended manner of use.

primary objective

Highlights the main goal or aim.

initial intention

Focuses on the original plan or purpose.

original design

Refers to the original plan of the object or resource.

FAQs

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

You can use "intended use" to describe the purpose for which something is designed or meant to be used. For example, "The "intended use" of this software is data analysis."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "intended use"?

Alternatives include "designed function", "designated purpose", or "planned application". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "intended use" and "unintended use"?

"Intended use" refers to the purpose for which something was designed, while "unintended use" describes when something is used in a way not originally planned or foreseen. For instance, using a hammer to open a can would be an unintended use.

Why is it important to define the "intended use" of a product?

Defining the "intended use" helps users understand the product's capabilities and limitations, reduces the risk of misuse, and ensures the product is used safely and effectively.