they are for

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are for" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as part of a comparative statement, for example, "These shoes are for walking, but those boots are for hiking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is what they are "for".

The Economist

They are for watercolorists.

The New Yorker

"They are for transportation.

The New York Times

"They are for everyone.

Independent

Or they are for games.

The New Yorker

They are for different moods.

The New York Times

They are: "For the Record",….

The New Yorker

They "are for shelter.

The New York Times

They are for work.

The Guardian - Music

They are for voyeurs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They are for-profit organizations.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are for", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific noun or group of nouns. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they are for" without a clear antecedent for "they". Readers should easily understand what "they" refers to without having to guess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are for" functions as a predicative expression, specifying the purpose or intended use of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. For example, "They are for everyone" indicates inclusivity, defining the target audience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are for" is a versatile expression used to define the purpose or intended use of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, clarity is crucial: always ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "that's what they're intended for" or "their purpose is to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using "they are for" effectively involves careful attention to context and pronoun reference, ensuring that your message is both clear and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's what they're intended for

Emphasizes the intended purpose rather than a direct assignment.

that's their purpose

Focuses on the objective or reason behind something's existence.

that is what they serve

Highlights the action or function that something performs.

that's what they are designed for

Stresses the planning and creation with a specific function in mind.

they are meant to be used for

Focuses on the appropriate or expected application.

they are suitable for

Indicates appropriateness for a particular task or situation.

they are applicable to

Suggests relevance and fitness for a specific context.

they are geared towards

Emphasizes that something is specifically directed or adjusted for a certain purpose.

their function is to

Directly states the task or action that something is supposed to perform.

they are tailored for

Highlights customization or adaptation to a specific need or user.

FAQs

How can I use "they are for" in a sentence?

The phrase "they are for" is typically used to explain the purpose or intended use of something. For example, "These gloves "are for" gardening" indicates the intended use of the gloves.

What's a good alternative to "they are for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's what they're intended for", "that is their purpose", or "they are designed for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "they are for"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "they are for" can sometimes sound less formal. It's generally better to ensure clarity by providing context or rephrasing the sentence for improved flow.

What is the difference between "they are for" and "they are meant for"?

While similar, "they are for" generally states a purpose, while "they are meant for" implies an intention or design. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize purpose or intention.