that was meant to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was meant to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you're talking about something that happened but which seemed to have been fated or predetermined. For example, "My parents told me I should go to college, and it turns out that was meant to be - I found a career that I love!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All that was meant to be in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

We believed it was something that was meant to be".

The Guardian - Sport

It purchased land that was meant to be parcelled out to black farmers.

Independent

On the other hand, one improvement that was meant to be permanent will be gone soon.

The New York Times

"You know, it was one of those things that was meant to be," Giambi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then they laughed at anything that was meant to be a smile.

The New Yorker

Worry that your turkey might have been the one that was meant to be pardoned.

The New Yorker

A march that was meant to be broad and unifying has become exclusive and divisive.

The Washington Post

It was one of those things that was meant to be".

The New York Times - Sports

Back in 1991, that was meant to be his first proper break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She looked at me as if I'd intruded on something that was meant to be private.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was meant to be" to express a sense of inevitability or destiny regarding a past event or situation. For instance, "Their meeting felt like something "that was meant to be", given their shared interests and backgrounds."

Common error

Avoid using "that was meant to be" to describe current or future plans. This phrase is best suited for reflecting on past events that feel predetermined or destined. Instead of saying "This is "that was meant to be"," consider "This is what is intended" or "This is what should happen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was meant to be" functions as a comment on a past event, suggesting it was predetermined or destined. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in narrative and reflective contexts. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis which considers the phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was meant to be" is a versatile phrase used to express a sense of destiny or predetermination about past events. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While it's suitable for reflecting on events with a sense of inevitability, avoid using it for current or future scenarios. Consider alternatives like "it was destined to happen" or "it was intended to be" for slight variations in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's common usage and grammatical correctness, making it a reliable choice for expressing fated outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was destined to happen

Focuses on the idea of fate or destiny making the event unavoidable.

it was intended to be

Emphasizes the original plan or purpose behind something.

it was supposed to be

Highlights an expectation or agreement that was in place.

it was always going to happen

Suggests inevitability based on existing conditions or trends.

it was preordained

Implies a divine or higher power determined the outcome.

it was in the cards

Uses a metaphor to convey that the outcome was predictable or destined.

it was written in the stars

Another metaphorical expression highlighting destiny and fate.

it was fated to occur

Stresses the role of fate in causing an event.

it was Pre-planned

Underscores the aspect of planning or arrangement before the event.

it was a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome was obvious or inevitable from the start.

FAQs

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

Use "that was meant to be" to describe events that seemed destined or predetermined, such as, "Looking back, their partnership felt like something "that was meant to be", given how perfectly their skills complemented each other."

What are some alternatives to "that was meant to be"?

Alternatives include "it was destined to happen", "it was intended to be", or "it was supposed to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "that is meant to be" instead of "that was meant to be"?

The choice between "that is meant to be" and "that was meant to be" depends on the time frame. "That was meant to be" refers to something in the past, while "that is meant to be" refers to something in the present or future.

What is the difference between "that was meant to be" and "that should have been"?

"That was meant to be" implies a sense of destiny or predetermination, while "that should have been" suggests an expectation or plan that was not fulfilled. For example, "The event "that was meant to be" a success turned into a disaster," versus "The project "that should have been" completed on time was delayed."