meant to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meant to do" is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is intended or designed for a specific purpose or action. Example: The new software update is meant to enhance the user experience and improve overall functionality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We meant to do better.

The New Yorker

"They're meant to do a job".

The New York Times

Cantanhede had not meant to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

Australia weren't meant to do this.

The Guardian - Sport

That's not what I meant to do.

The New York Times

This ain't what you're meant to do.

The Guardian - Music

They're meant to do football things.

The Guardian - Sport

Headteachers are not meant to do this.

The Guardian

That's what you're meant to do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's what they're meant to do".

The New York Times

What am I truly meant to do?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meant to do" to clearly express the intended purpose or design behind an action, plan, or object. For example: "This software is meant to simplify the process".

Common error

Avoid using "meant to do" when describing actions that were accidental or unintentional. Instead, use phrases like "didn't mean to do" or "didn't intend to do" to accurately convey the lack of intent. "I didn't "mean to" break the vase" is more appropriate than "I meant to break the vase."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meant to do" functions as a purpose connector, linking an entity or action to its intended outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies intention or design. Examples from Ludwig show its versatility in expressing planned activities and inherent functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meant to do" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey intention, purpose, or design. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to link an entity or action to its intended outcome. It is versatile and appears frequently in news, academic, and general writing. While "meant to do" is generally neutral, it is crucial to use it accurately to avoid misrepresenting actions that were unintentional. Consider alternatives such as "supposed to do", "intended to do", or ""designed to do"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of using it accurately to express deliberate intent rather than accidental occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supposed to do

This alternative highlights obligation or expectation more strongly than intention.

intended to do

This phrase focuses more on the initial plan or design behind an action.

designed to do

This alternative emphasizes the planned functionality or purpose of something.

planned to do

This highlights the preliminary arrangement or schedule for an action.

aimed to do

This suggests a specific goal or objective being pursued.

set out to do

This implies a deliberate and purposeful beginning of an action.

tasked to do

This suggests that someone has assigned a duty.

created to do

Focuses on the purpose behind something's creation.

destined to do

This implies a sense of fate or predetermination.

engineered to do

Focuses on the technical or precise design for a specific function.

FAQs

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

You can use "meant to do" to describe the intended purpose or function of something. For example, "This tool is "designed to do" a specific task", or "These rules are "supposed to" ensure fairness".

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

"Meant to do" emphasizes intention or design, while "supposed to do" often implies obligation or expectation. Something that is "meant to do" something is designed for that purpose. Something that is "supposed to do" something is expected to do it, whether or not it was originally designed for that purpose.

What are some alternatives to "meant to do"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "intended to do", "designed to do", or "planned to do". Each of these alternatives can subtly change the meaning, so choose the one that best fits your intended nuance.

Is it correct to say "I wasn't meant to do that"?

Yes, it is correct. This phrase is used to express that an action was not intended or that you were not supposed to perform the action. It implies that the action was either accidental or against instructions.