they were intended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were intended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or aim behind something, often referring to plans, designs, or messages. Example: "The changes in the policy were made to improve efficiency, and they were intended to benefit all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were intended as temporary housing.

The Economist

"They were intended to help those with serious economic disadvantages".

The New York Times

In fact, that's exactly what they were intended to be.

The New York Times - Arts

And they did what they were intended to do.

The New Yorker

Together, they were intended to make New York City impenetrable from attack by sea.

The New York Times - Arts

They were intended to help him through the snows of Iowa and New Hampshire.

The New York Times

Ballgowns, in consequence, became increasingly scrutinised for the non-verbal messages they were intended to convey.

The Guardian - Arts

They were intended to ensure that the company meets American standards for product safety.

The New York Times

Rather, the buildings embodied an aspiration, they were intended as a goad to virtue.

The New York Times

Normally sold by the dozen, they were intended for display in family albums.

The Guardian

The Playhouse will at last allow us to see them as darkly as they were intended.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were intended" to clearly communicate the original purpose or design of something, especially when contrasting it with its current use or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "they were intended" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "the rules were intended to prevent fraud", consider "the rules aimed to prevent fraud".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were intended" functions as a passive voice construction indicating the original purpose or design behind a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express the intended function, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were intended" serves to articulate the original purpose or design of a subject. Grammatically sound and versatile across various contexts, it commonly appears in news, media, and scientific publications. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correctly used to describe the planned function, highlighting its utility in both formal and informal settings. Remember to maintain clarity regarding the subject and intended function for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were designed

Focuses on the design aspect, highlighting a deliberate plan or construction.

they were meant to

Indicates a purpose or expectation, often with a slightly less formal tone.

their purpose was

Emphasizes the intended function or goal of something.

they were created to

Highlights the act of creation with a specific objective in mind.

they were built for

Focuses on the construction or assembly for a particular reason.

they were planned to

Emphasizes the planning stage and the intended outcome.

the intention was for them to

Clearly states the original intent or aim.

they had been designed to

Uses a past perfect tense to emphasize that the design occurred earlier and was purposed.

they were conceived as

Focuses on the initial idea or concept behind something.

they were developed for

Highlights the development process and the target application.

FAQs

How can I use "they were intended" in a sentence?

You can use "they were intended" to describe the original purpose or design of something. For example, "The reforms "they were intended" to improve efficiency."

What's a more formal way to say "they were intended"?

A more formal alternative is "their purpose was". For example, "They were intended to serve as guidelines; their purpose was to offer direction".

Is it always necessary to specify what "they" refers to when using "they were intended"?

Yes, it's crucial for clarity. Ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily understood from the context. For example, "The new regulations "they were intended" to simplify the process."

What is the difference between "they were intended to" and "they were meant to"?

While similar, "they were intended to" often implies a more formal or deliberate planning, whereas "they were meant to" can be slightly more casual and suggest a general expectation.