to be earmarked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be earmarked" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been designated or set aside for a specific purpose or use. Example: "The funds are to be earmarked for educational programs in underprivileged areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Some of the units have to be earmarked for affordability".

The New York Times

(Smaller dollops of cash are to be earmarked for roads and ports).

The Economist

Included in the discussions is a proposal for some of his salary to be earmarked to pay off his debts.

The Guardian - Sport

The budget is estimated at more than $20 million, half of which is to be earmarked for the television, print, online and outdoor ads.

The New York Times

He wants much of the oil money to be earmarked for education, which is one area where his officials are conscious of having fallen short.

The Economist

The money for the "our island story fund" is to be earmarked from the Heritage Lottery Fund to celebrate anniversaries falling over the next four years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

She was quoted as saying that she did not consider infrastructure projects like roads and bridges to be earmarks because of their importance.

The New York Times

Dinkins also backed a proposal that part of the "peace dividend" be earmarked to help cities.

The New Yorker

Much of that money would be earmarked to reduce principal owed by homeowners facing foreclosure.

The New York Times

The proceeds, which would go exclusively to the Länder, could be earmarked for education, primarily a Land responsibility.

The Economist

Sales tax proceeds would be earmarked to cover regulation costs, public health and education efforts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be earmarked" in formal writing, clearly state the amount or item being designated and the specific purpose for which it is intended to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be earmarked" when simply suggesting a possible future use. The phrase implies a decision or plan has already been made to allocate resources for a specific purpose.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be earmarked" functions primarily as a verbal phrase within a sentence, often indicating a future or planned action concerning the allocation of resources. Ludwig shows that this phrase is generally used to designate something for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be earmarked" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something has been designated for a specific purpose. As shown in Ludwig, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist using it regularly. When writing, remember that this phrase implies a pre-existing decision to allocate resources, rather than a mere suggestion. Alternative phrases such as "to be allocated" and "to be designated" offer similar meanings, but "to be earmarked" provides a specific nuance of intentional allocation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be allocated

This alternative emphasizes the act of distributing or assigning something for a specific purpose.

to be designated

This phrase highlights the official naming or identification of something for a particular use.

to be set aside

This option stresses the act of reserving something for a specific future use.

to be reserved

Similar to 'set aside', this implies that something is being kept for a particular purpose.

to be assigned

This suggests the act of giving a particular task or resource to someone or something.

to be appropriated

This option is often used in formal contexts, particularly in financial or governmental settings, to mean allocating funds for a specific purpose.

to be devoted

This emphasizes the commitment of something, like resources or time, to a specific cause or purpose.

to be consigned

This suggests that something is handed over or committed to a particular fate or purpose.

to be commissioned

This alternative is suitable when something is being formally ordered or authorized for a particular task or project.

to be committed

This focuses on the dedication of resources, funds, or effort towards a particular objective or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "to be earmarked" in a sentence?

You can use "to be earmarked" to indicate that something, typically money or resources, has been designated for a specific purpose. For example: "The funds are "to be earmarked" for the new school project."

What are some alternatives to "to be earmarked"?

Alternatives to "to be earmarked" include "to be allocated", "to be designated", or "to be set aside". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "to be earmarked" formal or informal?

"To be earmarked" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. While suitable for news reports and business communications, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. More informal alternatives exist.

What does it mean when funds are "to be earmarked"?

When funds are "to be earmarked", it means that they are specifically allocated for a particular purpose or project. This ensures that the money is used for its intended purpose and not diverted elsewhere.