meant to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meant to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that something is destined or intended to happen. Example: "I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that our meeting was truly meant to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's meant to be nutritious.

Independent

They are meant to be.

The Economist

They're meant to be arch.

The New York Times - Arts

They aren't meant to be.

The New York Times

It's meant to be sarcastic.

The New York Times - Arts

It's meant to be grinning!

Independent

It wasn't meant to be".

The New York Times - Sports

It's meant to be provocative.

The New Yorker

It was meant to be".

The New York Times

It is meant to be so.

The New York Times

Or is it meant to be campy?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meant to be" to express a sense of destiny, fate, or predetermination. It is most effective when describing relationships, events, or outcomes that feel inevitable or divinely ordained.

Common error

Avoid using "meant to be" casually or sarcastically when describing mundane or trivial occurrences. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound insincere. Use it judiciously to convey a sense of genuine conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meant to be" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, often used to describe a noun with the connotation of destiny, intention, or predetermination. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meant to be" functions as an adjective phrase expressing destiny or predetermination, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is widely used, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct and common, it should be used thoughtfully to maintain its impact. Related phrases like "destined to be" or "intended to be" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember that while the phrase is generally neutral, overusing it casually might dilute its significance. Ludwig's analysis underscores that "meant to be" carries a strong connotation of inevitability and should be employed when conveying a genuine sense of destiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destined to be

Focuses on the idea of a preordained future, emphasizing fate.

intended to be

Highlights the purpose or plan behind something, rather than destiny.

fated to be

Similar to 'destined', but carries a slightly stronger sense of an unavoidable outcome.

supposed to be

Implies an expectation or requirement, which may not always align with actual outcomes.

predestined to be

Emphasizes the divine or supernatural influence on a future event.

ordained to be

Suggests a formal or official decree, often with religious connotations.

designed to be

Highlights the deliberate creation or planning behind something's existence.

written in the stars

A more poetic way of saying destined, suggesting a cosmic alignment.

in the cards

Similar to "written in the stars", but suggests a more general sense of fate or likelihood.

bound to happen

Focuses on the inevitability of an event, regardless of intent or destiny.

FAQs

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

You can use "meant to be" to describe something believed to be destined or inevitable, such as "I believe we were "meant to be" together" or "It wasn't "meant to be" this time".

What are some alternatives to "meant to be"?

Alternatives include "destined to be", "intended to be", or "fated to be", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "was meant to be" or "is meant to be"?

Both "was meant to be" and "is meant to be" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Was meant to be" refers to something that was intended or destined in the past, while "is meant to be" refers to something that is currently intended or destined.

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

"Supposed to be" implies an expectation or obligation, while "meant to be" implies destiny or predetermination. For example, "I am supposed to clean my room" means I have an obligation to do so, while "We were "meant to be"" suggests our relationship was destined.