it was meant to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was meant to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express that something was meant to happen as if it was fate or destiny. For example: "When Mary and John met, they both knew that it was meant to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she doesn't get all "it was meant to be".

Independent

It was meant to be".

The New York Times

"It was meant to be," I said.

The New York Times

"It was meant to be," he says.

Independent

I guess it was meant to be.

Independent

It was meant to be experienced.

The New Yorker

"Somehow it was meant to be".

The New York Times

It was meant to be stirring.

The Washington Post

It was meant to be simple.

The Guardian

It was meant to be a fling.

The New York Times

It was meant to be stylish.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was meant to be" to express a sense of inevitability, fate, or destiny, particularly when reflecting on past events or relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "it was meant to be" to justify inaction or avoid responsibility. While the phrase suggests a sense of destiny, it should not excuse neglecting present efforts or future planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was meant to be" functions as an expression of inevitability or destiny. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that an event or situation occurred as if predetermined. It's frequently used to provide a sense of closure or acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was meant to be" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a sense of inevitability or destiny. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to avoid misusing the phrase to excuse inaction or shirk responsibility. Consider alternatives like "it was destined to happen" or "it was inevitable" for nuanced expressions. Understanding its communicative purpose and appropriate register ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It was destined to happen

Emphasizes fate or a predetermined course of events.

It was inevitable

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the event.

It was written in the stars

Suggests a cosmic or astrological predestination.

It was fated to occur

Highlights the role of fate in the event.

It was bound to happen

Implies a strong likelihood or certainty based on circumstances.

It was predetermined

Stresses that the outcome was decided in advance.

It was supposed to be

Indicates an expectation or plan that aligned with the outcome.

It was all part of the plan

Suggests that the event was a component of a larger, intentional design.

It had to be this way

Emphasizes the necessity or inevitability of the outcome.

It was in the cards

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey predestination.

FAQs

How can I use "it was meant to be" in a sentence?

You can use "it was meant to be" to express a sense of destiny or inevitability. For example, "When they met, they both felt like "it was meant to be"".

What's the difference between "it was meant to be" and "it was supposed to be"?

"It was meant to be" implies a sense of fate or destiny, while "it was supposed to be" suggests a plan or expectation that didn't necessarily come to fruition.

What can I say instead of "it was meant to be"?

You can use alternatives like "it was destined to happen", "it was inevitable", or "it was fated to occur" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "it was meant to be" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was meant to be" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and direct language to convey causality or intention.