meant for

USAGE SUMMARY

'meant for' is correct and can be used in written English.
'Meant for' is a phrase used to mean something or someone was intended for a certain purpose. Example: This gift was meant for you, to show how much I care.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We meant for each other".

The New Yorker

"It's meant for the journey".

The New York Times

"She meant for the season.

The New York Times

This remark seemed meant for public consumption.

The New York Times

It's meant for rookies".

The New York Times - Sports

Kids think summer is meant for fun".

The New York Times

Breaks are also meant for venting.

The New York Times

It is meant for two people.

The New York Times - Food

The city was meant for bigger things.

The Guardian - Opinion

Small plates are meant for hoarding.

The New York Times - Food

So what has this meant for TerraCycle?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meant for" to clearly indicate the intended purpose or recipient of something. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "meant for" when you intend to convey something was accidentally used for a purpose. "Meant for" implies intention, so use alternative phrasing if there was no initial planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meant for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates the intended recipient, purpose, or destination of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meant for" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express intention, suitability, or designation. As affirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. Its neutral register and clear communicative purpose make it an invaluable tool for writers seeking precision and clarity. While alternatives like "intended for" and "designed for" exist, "meant for" retains a unique nuance that often best captures the intended meaning. Remember to use "meant for" to clearly indicate the intended purpose and avoid using it when something was accidentally used for a purpose. Keep in mind that "meant for" implies intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for

Focuses on the deliberate planning or design behind the purpose.

designed for

Emphasizes the specific design or creation tailored to a particular use.

suitable for

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness for a certain role or situation.

created for

Stresses the act of creation with a specific aim in mind.

made for

Similar to 'created for', but can also imply a natural compatibility.

destined for

Suggests a predetermined or inevitable purpose.

purposed for

A more formal way of saying something has a specific purpose.

appropriate for

Indicates something is especially fitting or right for a context.

geared towards

Implies something is specifically aimed or directed at a target group or goal.

tailored to

Highlights the customization or adaptation to meet specific requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "meant for" in a sentence?

You can use "meant for" to indicate the intended purpose or recipient of something. For example, "This gift is "meant for" you" or "This tool is "meant for" professional use only."

What can I say instead of "meant for"?

Alternatives to "meant for" include "intended for", "designed for", or "suitable for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was meant to" instead of "meant for"?

While "meant for" indicates the intended recipient or purpose, "was meant to" typically describes an intended action. For example, "This letter was "meant for" you" versus "He was "meant to" call me today."

What is the difference between "meant for" and "destined for"?

"Meant for" suggests a deliberate intention or purpose, while "destined for" implies a predetermined or inevitable outcome. "This book is "meant for" children" suggests it was created for them, whereas "She is "destined for" greatness" suggests it is her fate.