to be worn

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be worn" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that needs to be put on or used in order to be worn. For example, "This dress needs to be worn to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Beat: To be worn out, spent.

Huffington Post

It has got to be worn.

The New York Times

These were paintings to be worn.

The Guardian - Arts

Unlikely, I fear, to be worn in polite company.

Independent

That kind of stuff has to be worn.

The New Yorker

No Levis were to be worn on the road.

The New York Times - Sports

Months later, it is still said to be worn out.

The Economist

A black mask to be worn through the night.

The New York Times

"This is not a shoe to be worn all day".

The New York Times - Style

As with leggings, they're not meant to be worn alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heels had to be worn all day, no matter what.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be worn" to clearly indicate that something is intended for wearing, especially when describing clothing, accessories, or protective gear. This clarifies the item's purpose and proper usage.

Common error

Avoid using "to be worn" when describing the condition of an item that has been used excessively. Instead, use phrases like "worn out" or "threadbare" to describe the state of being damaged through use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be worn" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used adjectivally to describe the intended purpose or design of an item, particularly clothing, accessories, or protective equipment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be worn" functions as an infinitive phrase that clearly designates an item's intended use for wearing. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used across a spectrum of contexts, including news, general reference, and scientific writing. While maintaining a neutral tone, it effectively communicates the intended use of clothing, accessories, or protective equipment. Remember, it's best used to indicate purpose rather than describe the condition of something overused. The most authoritative sources utilizing this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and Independent. Using phrases like "intended for wearing" or "suitable for wearing" can provide similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for wearing

Focuses on the designed purpose of an item for apparel.

designed to be worn

Highlights the designed intention for clothing use.

meant for wearing

Emphasizes that something is expected to be used as clothing.

suitable for wearing

Indicates appropriateness for apparel depending on the context.

appropriate to wear

Focuses on the suitability of donning the item.

made to be worn

Highlights the manufacturing purpose related to wearing.

able to be worn

Highlights the capacity to be donned.

ready to wear

Describes the item is prepared and ready for use as clothing.

designed as apparel

Highlights the design process and its focus on apparel.

fashioned for use

Highlights a creative element and the intention of putting something on your body.

FAQs

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

Use "to be worn" to specify the intended purpose of an item, like "This helmet is designed "designed to be worn" during construction" or "The dress is meant "meant for wearing" at formal events".

What phrases are similar to "to be worn"?

Similar phrases include "intended for wearing", "suitable for wearing", or "designed to be worn". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize intention, suitability, or design.

Is it correct to say "should be worn" instead of "to be worn"?

Both "to be worn" and "should be worn" are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "To be worn" simply indicates the intended use, while "should be worn" implies a recommendation or requirement. For example: "This helmet is to be worn for safety" versus "This helmet should be worn for optimal safety".

Can "to be worn" apply to things other than clothing?

Yes, "to be worn" can apply to accessories, protective gear, or any item designed to be carried or attached to the body. For example, "This monitor "designed to be worn" on the wrist measures heart rate", or "The pedometer had "designed to be worn" on the waistband/belt".