train them for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "train them for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to preparing someone for a specific task, role, or situation. Example: "We need to train them for the upcoming project to ensure they are fully prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Employers train them for months, at great expense.

The Economist

So, I train them to make a video, then I train them for a Q.&A.

The New York Times

Though the military trains service members for war, it doesn't train them for peace.

Stanford University

And we're not educating them enough to train them for the new jobs," said Burke.

The Washington Post

Train them for knowledge and resilience rather than focusing on a product's bells and whistles.

Harvard Business Review

Some of his co-workers had agreed to train them for an extra $4 an hour.

The Washington Post

Lt. Elisha Ray Nance, the son of a tobacco farmer, helped train them for combat.

The New York Times

It makes it very difficult to train them for high-skill jobs".

The New York Times

The church organizes sessions to welcome foreign priests and train them for the religious realities of France.

The New York Times

She asks whether Cecchi can train them, for she is no longer able to care for them.

The New York Times

There both Chinese and Americans will pursue graduate degrees designed to train them for careers in Chinese-American relations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "train them for", clearly state the specific purpose or activity they are being trained for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "train them for the upcoming marketing campaign" is more effective than simply "train them".

Common error

Avoid using "train them for" without a clear objective. Saying "we will train them" is vague. Instead, specify the skill or knowledge being imparted, such as "train them for data analysis" or "train them for customer service" to provide context and direction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "train them for" is as a verb phrase functioning as a transitive verb taking a pronoun as a direct object and a prepositional phrase indicating purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "train them for" is a versatile phrase widely used to describe the process of preparing individuals for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse sources, especially News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the goal of the training to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "prepare them for" or "equip them for" can add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the intent of training and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare them for

Replaces "train" with a synonym, focusing on readiness.

ready them for

Similar to "prepare", but with a slightly more active connotation.

equip them for

Emphasizes providing necessary resources or skills.

educate them for

Highlights the educational aspect of preparation.

instruct them for

Emphasizes formal teaching and direction.

coach them for

Implies personalized instruction and guidance.

mentor them for

Implies a supportive and experienced guide helping someone prepare.

groom them for

Suggests preparing someone for a specific role or position over time.

develop them for

Focuses on the growth and enhancement of skills.

orient them towards

Shifts the focus to aligning individuals with a goal.

FAQs

What does "train them for" mean?

The phrase "train them for" means to provide instruction, guidance, and practice to a group of people to prepare them for a specific task, role, or situation. It implies equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively.

How can I use "train them for" in a sentence?

You can use "train them for" to indicate preparation for a particular purpose, like "The company will "train them for" leadership roles" or "We need to "train them for" the new software rollout".

What are some alternatives to "train them for"?

Alternatives include "prepare them for", "equip them for", or "develop them for", depending on the context and specific nuances you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "train them in" instead of "train them for"?

While "train them in" is grammatically correct, it emphasizes the subject or area of expertise in which they are being trained, while "train them for" emphasizes the purpose or goal they are being prepared to achieve. For example, you might "train them in coding" but ""train them for" a software development role".