reserve for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reserve for" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used when discussing setting something aside or saving it for a specific purpose or person. For example: - The restaurant reserves a private room for special events. - I am reserving this last piece of cake for my sister, as she loves chocolate. - The company reserves a portion of their profits for charitable donations. - We should reserve some time in our schedule for relaxation and self-care. - The front row seats are reserved for VIP guests only.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Reserve for making stock.

The Washington Post

Discard or reserve for another use.

The New York Times

It sold against the reserve for £12,500.

The New York Times - Arts

Discard carcass or reserve for making stock.

The New York Times - Food

Remove bacon and reserve for another purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

Zest the lemon and reserve for later.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Four slots are reserved for international volunteers.

The New York Times - Sports

His zealotry is reserved for pedal power.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tickets can be reserved for $100.

The New York Times - Sports

Cruising was something reserved for the elite.

The New York Times - Travel

That can be reserved for games.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reserve for", clearly state the purpose or recipient to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "reserve funds", specify "reserve funds for marketing campaigns".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "reserve for". Instead of saying "The area is reserved for VIPs", a more direct approach is "This area is for VIPs only".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserve for" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate the act of setting something aside or allocating it for a specific purpose, recipient, or future use. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reserve for" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates setting something aside for a particular purpose or person. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using "reserve for", clarity is crucial; specify the intended purpose or recipient. While passive constructions are possible, direct language often yields stronger writing. Consider "set aside for", "allocate to", or "designate for" as suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. With its neutral register and frequent occurrence, "reserve for" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set aside for

Emphasizes the act of designating something specific from a larger quantity.

allocate to

Focuses on formally distributing resources for a particular purpose.

designate for

Highlights the act of specifying something for a defined use or recipient.

earmark for

Implies setting aside funds or resources with a specific intention.

keep in store for

Suggests saving something for future use or a particular occasion.

hold back for

Indicates retaining something for a later time or specific circumstance.

save for

A general term indicating the act of keeping something for later use.

put by for

Implies saving something gradually over time for a specific goal.

maintain as a provision for

Focuses on keeping something in readiness for a potential need or situation.

retain for

Highlights the act of keeping something for a specific reason or use.

FAQs

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

You can use "reserve for" to indicate setting something aside for a specific purpose or person. For example, "We should reserve some time for relaxation" or "The restaurant reserves a table for a special guest".

What are some alternatives to "reserve for"?

Alternatives to "reserve for" include "set aside for", "allocate to", or "designate for", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "reserve for" and "reserved for"?

"Reserve for" is a verb phrase indicating the act of setting something aside, while "reserved for" is a past participle or adjective indicating something that has already been set aside. For example, "We will reserve seats for the show" versus "The seats are reserved for the show".

When is it appropriate to use "reserve for" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "reserve for" in formal writing when discussing allocation, designation, or saving of resources or items for a particular purpose. This is a common and accepted phrase across various professional and academic contexts.