it is for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a purpose or function. For example: This cup is for drinking tea.

✓ Grammatically correct

General Purpose

Explanatory

Descriptive

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is for sharing.

The New Yorker

It is for lifers.

The Economist

It is for me.

The New York Times

It is for some.

The Economist

It is for dogs.

The New York Times

It is for everyone.

The New York Times

"Now it is for everybody.

The New York Times

And it is for real?

The New Yorker

So it is for Deeda.

The New York Times

"It is for his mother".

The New Yorker

It is for me, certainly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is for", ensure the subsequent noun or verb phrase clearly defines the intended purpose or recipient. For example, "This tool is for cutting metal" is more precise than "This tool is for use."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the "it" in "it is for" clearly refers to a specific subject. If the subject is unclear, rewrite the sentence to explicitly state what the "it" refers to. For example, instead of "It is for decoration", specify "The vase is for decoration."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is for" primarily functions as a declarative statement specifying the intended purpose, use, or recipient of something. This construction clearly indicates the reason or aim behind an object, action, or resource, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is for" is a versatile and frequently used construction to explicitly state the purpose, intended use, or designated recipient of something. As affirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a declarative statement providing clarity and direction across various contexts. This phrase sees frequent usage in “News & Media”, “Wiki”, and “Formal & Business” settings. To ensure clarity, avoid vague pronoun references and always clearly define the subject the phrase refers to. By following best practices, writers can effectively utilize "it is for" to enhance communication and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's intended for

Emphasizes the planned purpose or design of something.

it's meant for

Indicates the intended recipient or beneficiary.

it serves the purpose of

Highlights the utility or function that something fulfills.

it's designed to

Focuses on the engineered functionality or intended performance.

it's suitable for

Indicates appropriateness for a specific use or situation.

it aims to

Stresses the goal or objective that something is meant to achieve.

it's appropriate for

Similar to 'suitable for', but may carry a stronger connotation of correctness or fittingness.

it's for the use of

Formally specifies the intended user or application of something.

it caters to

Suggests that something is specifically tailored to meet particular needs or preferences.

it's geared towards

Implies that something is specifically adjusted or arranged for a certain outcome.

FAQs

How do I use "it is for" in a sentence?

Use "it is for" to clearly state the purpose or intended use of something. For instance, "This software is for managing customer relationships."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it's intended for", "it serves the purpose of", or "it's designed to".

Is it correct to say "it is for to + verb"?

No, "it is for" should be followed by a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing). The correct construction is either "it is for [noun]" (e.g., "it is for decoration") or "it is for [verb + -ing]" (e.g., "it is for cleaning").

What is the difference between "it is for" and "it is to"?

"It is for" indicates the purpose or intended use of something (e.g., "This knife is for cutting"), while "it is to" often expresses a duty or obligation (e.g., "It is to be expected that prices will increase").