this is to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement or to explain the purpose of an action, and often followed by a verb. For example, "This is to inform you that our office will be closed next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is to show credibility.

The New York Times

This is to be commended.

Independent

But frequently this is to no avail.

The Economist

But this is to misunderstand the situation.

Independent

"This is to push for good governance".

The New York Times

This is to stimulate the immune system.

The Economist

This is to tinker with cloud cover.

The Economist

To condone this is to condone theft".

The New York Times - Magazine

But this is to run ahead.

Independent

This is to be your home.

The New Yorker

Yet this is to miss the point.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is to" to clearly state the objective or reason behind an action, ensuring clarity and purpose in your writing. It's particularly effective when explaining the rationale behind a procedure, decision, or design.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "this is to" can make your writing sound overly formal or stiff. In casual conversations or informal writing, consider more relaxed alternatives like "this will" or simply stating the purpose directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is to" functions as an introductory phrase indicating the purpose or intention behind a statement or action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to introduce the purpose or intention behind an action or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across different contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the level of formality and avoid overuse in casual settings. Consider using alternative phrasing for a more relaxed tone when appropriate. With a strong source quality and consistent usage, "this is to" remains a reliable tool for clear and purposeful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is intended to

Highlights the designed or planned function of something.

the purpose of this is to

Emphasizes the intent or objective behind the action more explicitly.

the intention is to

Focuses on the underlying motive or desired result behind a specific action.

this is designed to

Suggests a deliberate creation or arrangement for a specific purpose.

this serves to

Indicates the function or role of something in achieving a particular outcome.

this aims to

Highlights the intended goal or target of an action or statement.

this is in order to

Expresses a reason or justification for a specific action or decision.

this has the effect of

Points out the consequence or outcome resulting from a particular action.

this seeks to

Emphasizes the effort or attempt to achieve a particular goal.

this will

Indicates a future action or result that is expected or planned.

FAQs

How can I use "this is to" in a sentence?

The phrase "this is to" introduces the purpose or intention behind an action or statement. For example, "This is to inform you that the meeting has been postponed."

What are some alternatives to "this is to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "this aims to", "this is intended to", or "the purpose of this is to".

Is it always necessary to use "this is to" when stating a purpose?

No, while "this is to" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly formal. In many cases, you can directly state the purpose without using the phrase. For example, instead of "This is to ensure your safety", you can say "To ensure your safety".

What's the difference between "this is to" and "this is for"?

"This is to" indicates the purpose or intention, while "this is for" indicates the recipient or beneficiary. For example, "This money is to pay the bills" (purpose) versus "This gift is for you" (recipient).