is that for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most often used to ask if something is intended for a specific person or purpose. For example: "I have a package from Amazon - is that for you?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Who is that for?

The New York Times

How important is that for the Congress?

The New York Times

That is that for Australia.

The Guardian - Sport

She is that for me".

The New York Times - Style

Ben is that for her.

The New Yorker

How is that for luck?

The Times

So what is that for chromium?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How is that for an answer?

The New York Times - Sports

How hip is that for almost 85?

The Guardian

How is that for an off-season?

The New York Times - Sports

That is that for the day.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is that for", ensure the context clearly indicates what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Is that for?", specify "Is that package for you?"

Common error

Avoid using "is that for" without a clear referent for "that". Ensure the reader understands what you're asking about. Vague use can lead to confusion and require clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that for" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the intended recipient or purpose of something. It seeks clarification or confirmation about a specific item or action, aligning with how Ludwig AI describes its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is that for" is a versatile and commonly used interrogative expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It primarily functions to ask about the intended recipient or purpose of something. While grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, it is generally considered to have a neutral to informal register. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "To whom is that intended?" might be more appropriate. When using "is that for", ensuring the referent for "that" is clear is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who is that intended for

Specifies the inquiry towards a person as the intended recipient.

is that meant for

A more informal way to ask if something is intended for a particular person or purpose.

whom is that directed towards

Similar to asking who the recipient is, but uses a more formal tone.

what is that designed for

Asks specifically about the intended function or application of something.

what purpose does that serve

Shifts the focus to the function or aim of something instead of the recipient.

what is the target audience for that

Emphasizes the intended group or demographic for something.

who's the beneficiary of that

Focuses on the individual or entity that gains an advantage from something.

is that allocated to

Implies a formal assignment or designation for a particular use.

what's that earmarked for

Similar to 'allocated', but often refers to funds or resources.

what is the rationale behind that

Inquires about the justification or reasoning for something's existence or use.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is that for" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "To whom is that intended?" or "What is the intended purpose of that?". These options offer a more professional tone than the more casual "is that for".

What's the difference between "is that for" and "is that to"?

"Is that for" inquires about the intended recipient or purpose, while "is that to" usually implies a necessary action or requirement. For example, "Is that for you?" versus "Is that to be expected?".

When is it appropriate to use "is that for"?

"Is that for" is appropriate in informal settings or when the context is clear. For example, when handing someone a gift, it's natural to ask "Is that for you?"

Are there any alternatives to "is that for" that are more specific?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "Is that allocated to...?", "Is that meant for...?", or "What purpose does that serve?" for increased clarity.