was desirable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was desirable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was considered attractive or beneficial for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "The new policy was desirable for improving employee morale and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Because of the danger of a diamond lead, it was desirable for South to be the declarer.

The New York Times - Arts

Its barrister, Matthew Collins, QC, had argued the stories did not suggest the fundraising activity was illegal, but had instead asked whether it was "desirable for Australian democracy".

The Guardian

Analysts said it was desirable for Warner and the major music companies, which also own stakes in Spotify, to maintain diversity in the distribution of digital music.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Thomas said Cobble Hill's slightly higher prices might be attributable to the fact that the area was desirable for doctors and others who wanted to be located near Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill.

The New York Times

The chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, John C. Whitehead, said last week that he felt it was desirable for a new building at 7 World Trade Center "to proceed promptly".

The New York Times

But the doorway area was desirable for a less obvious reason, too, the report found; it allowed riders to avoid "the sometimes uncomfortable feeling of accidentally making eye contact with seated passengers".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

So an atmosphere of lawlessness is desirable for bribe-takers.

The Guardian - Opinion

What human characteristics might be desirable for some animals?

The New York Times

It cannot be desirable for California to recycle absolutely everything.

The Economist

But it is desirable for any news outfit.

The Economist

They were desirable, for they weakened the capitalist camp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was desirable for", ensure clarity regarding who or what found the subject desirable. Providing specific context enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "was desirable for" with plural subjects. The correct form for plural subjects is "were desirable for". For example, "These features were desirable for the new design."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was desirable for" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject to indicate that it possessed qualities that were considered beneficial or advantageous in a past context. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was desirable for" effectively communicates that something offered advantages or benefits in a particular context in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is frequently found in scientific and news media sources. When using this phrase, clarity regarding who or what considered something desirable is crucial. Alternatives such as "was advantageous to" or "was suitable for" can provide subtle differences in meaning. Remembering to adjust the verb conjugation based on the subject number is essential to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was advantageous to

Replaces "desirable" with "advantageous", emphasizing the beneficial aspect.

was beneficial to

Substitutes "desirable" with "beneficial", highlighting the positive impact.

was favorable to

Uses "favorable" instead of "desirable", suggesting approval or support.

was suitable for

Replaces "desirable" with "suitable", focusing on appropriateness.

was preferable for

Emphasizes a preference by using "preferable" instead of "desirable".

was well-suited for

Highlights compatibility using "well-suited" instead of "desirable".

was useful for

Focuses on utility by using "useful" instead of "desirable".

was appropriate for

Indicates the rightness of fit by replacing "desirable" with "appropriate".

catered to

Implies meeting specific needs, replacing the entire phrase with a single verb.

was conducive to

Suggests contribution to a positive outcome, replacing "desirable" with "conducive".

FAQs

How can I use "was desirable for" in a sentence?

Use "was desirable for" to indicate that something was advantageous or beneficial in a specific context. For example, "The new feature "was desirable for" improving user experience."

What are some alternatives to "was desirable for"?

You can use alternatives such as "was advantageous to", "was beneficial to", or "was suitable for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "were desirable for"?

Yes, use "were desirable for" with plural subjects. For example, "These changes "were desirable for" the project's success."

What is the difference between "was desirable for" and "is desirable for"?

"Was desirable for" refers to something that used to be considered beneficial, while "is desirable for" indicates something that currently is considered beneficial. For example, "The feature "was desirable for" the old system, but it is no longer necessary."