meant for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meant for him" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that something is intended or destined for someone specific. For example, "The gift was meant for him and him alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet the story was meant for him.

The New Yorker

"It wasn't meant for him," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

The bullet meant for him kills Mary.

The Guardian - Film

Every last person, every he and every she, has an entrance meant for him, for her".

The New Yorker

"Fresh start, I suppose," Howson said, shrugging when asked what the role meant for him.

The Guardian - Film

William flirts with Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), who Adhemar thought was meant for him.

The New York Times

In the programme, Fuhrman reflects on what the trial meant for him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He would shout into the transmitter and thought every call was meant for him.

The New Yorker

The bullets were meant for him, but Andre Santana ducked in time.

The New York Times

"It wasn't meant for him," she said of the fatal bullet.

The New York Times

He was trying to protect his son, taking the hit that was probably meant for him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meant for him" to convey intentionality or destiny, but consider alternatives like "intended for him" or "destined for him" to subtly shift the nuance of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "meant for him" when you simply mean something is suitable for him. "Meant for him" implies a deeper connection or purpose, not just basic appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meant for him" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the intended recipient or purpose. Ludwig examples illustrate it clarifying who something was directed towards or designed for. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meant for him" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something was intended or destined for a specific male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard English grammar and its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "meant for him" can imply intentionality or destiny, being aware of alternatives such as ""intended for him"" or "designed for him" allows for fine-tuning the message. Remember to ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity and accurately convey the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for him

Replaces "meant" with "intended", keeping the meaning of something being designated for someone.

destined for him

Emphasizes fate or predetermination in the phrase's meaning.

designed for him

Highlights a deliberate creation or planning with him in mind.

reserved for him

Implies something is being kept or held specifically for him.

tailored for him

Suggests a customized or specifically adapted fit for the person.

created for him

Focuses on the act of creation with him as the recipient.

suitable for him

Indicates appropriateness or fitness for the individual.

appropriate for him

Similar to suitable, but can also suggest ethical or moral fittingness.

befitting him

Implies something is worthy or suitable given his status or character.

assigned to him

Suggests a formal or official allocation to the individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "meant for him" to indicate something was intended or destined for a specific male individual. For example, "The opportunity was "intended for him" all along".

What's the difference between "meant for him" and "intended for him"?

While similar, "meant for him" often carries a stronger connotation of destiny or predetermination, while "intended for him" suggests a specific plan or purpose. The gift was either "destined for him" or just "planned for him".

What can I say instead of "meant for him"?

Alternatives include ""intended for him"", ""destined for him"", or "designed for him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "meant for him"?

While grammatically correct, the phrase is most effective when suggesting a deeper, perhaps even fated, connection or purpose. If simply indicating suitability, alternatives like "appropriate for him" or "suitable for him" might be more accurate.