specially bred for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specially bred for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing animals or plants that have been intentionally bred for specific traits or purposes. Example: "These dogs are specially bred for their exceptional sense of smell, making them ideal for search and rescue operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Roses have been specially bred for Roland Garros.

The New York Times

Some varieties are specially bred for patio use: Tan Tan, Little Gem and the smaller cressheads.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Coleman's frisée does not require millinery because he grows Bianca Riccia, a naturally pale, mild variety specially bred for close planting.

The New York Times

The variety of butternut squash, specially bred for the UK and guaranteed to do well as far north as Lancashire, is the RHS award winning 'Hunter'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Acidic soil, with little phosphorous and lots of toxic aluminium, was rebalanced, and crops were specially bred for Brazil's tropical environment.

The Economist

Whereas dogs and cats have been specially bred for generations as pets – to a point where we have selected specific behavioural and physical traits that make them perfect companions – most primates bred as pets are only the result of two or three generations in captivity and are, in most respects, still wild and untamed animals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Dr Blackburn relied on specially bred mice for the study.

The Economist

Some had been specially bred over decades for scientific purposes.

The New York Times

Mr. Stone's son Zach got his first boa, a specially bred variety that glows yellowish orange, as a reward for doing his summer chores at age 6.

The New York Times - Science

Specially bred strains of barley (generally low in nitrogen content) are used for malting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, Heck cattle, were used in place by the extinct aurochs, these are cattle of a variety specially bred by Nazi scientists.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid redundancy by omitting "specially" if the context already implies a deliberate breeding process. For example, instead of "These dogs are "specially bred for" herding because of their natural instincts", consider "These dogs are bred for herding because of their natural instincts."

Common error

Avoid using "specially bred for" when the trait in question arises naturally without human intervention. Saying "These birds are "specially bred for" their ability to fly" is incorrect, as the ability to fly is inherent to the species, not a result of selective breeding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specially bred for" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a subject (typically animals or plants) that has undergone selective breeding. It specifies the purpose or characteristics for which the breeding was conducted. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specially bred for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe organisms intentionally bred to enhance particular traits or serve specific purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications and general discussions. To use it effectively, make sure to specify the purpose and desired traits in the context. While the phrase is generally neutral, avoid using it when the trait in question arises naturally without human intervention. Alternatives such as "purpose-bred for" or "selectively bred for" may be used to add nuance to the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purpose-bred for

This alternative directly replaces "specially" with "purpose", emphasizing the intentionality behind the breeding.

selectively bred for

This alternative uses "selectively" to highlight the choice involved in breeding for specific traits.

specifically raised for

Changes "bred" to "raised" indicating a more general upbringing for a specific purpose

custom-bred for

Replacing "specially" with "custom" indicates that the breeding process is tailored to achieve a certain outcome.

intentionally cultivated for

Moves away from breeding to "cultivated", more suitable for plants and microorganisms, and uses "intentionally" for emphasis.

genetically engineered for

Highlights the scientific method used in breeding, emphasizing the genetic modification involved.

artificially selected for

Shifts emphasis to the artificial selection process driving the breeding program.

developed specifically for

Focuses on the 'development' aspect indicating an iterative process to create something with specific traits.

designed for breeding

Inverts the structure, focusing on the design aspect to facilitate breeding.

optimized through breeding for

Highlights the optimization aspect through selective breeding.

FAQs

What does "specially bred for" mean?

The phrase "specially bred for" indicates that animals or plants have been intentionally bred to enhance particular characteristics or serve specific purposes, such as disease resistance or specific behaviors.

How can I use "specially bred for" in a sentence?

You can use "specially bred for" to describe the selective breeding of animals or plants. For example, "These cattle are "bred for their high milk production"" or "This strain of wheat is "bred for its resistance to drought"".

What are some alternatives to "specially bred for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "purpose-bred for", "selectively bred for", or "intentionally cultivated for", depending on the level of formality and context.

Is it appropriate to use "specially bred for" when discussing genetically modified organisms?

While the phrase "specially bred for" generally refers to selective breeding, it can be loosely applied to GMOs if the emphasis is on the intentional development of specific traits. However, phrases like "genetically modified for" or "genetically engineered for" are more precise in that context.