was initially intended for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was initially intended for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the original purpose or target audience of something before any changes were made. Example: "The product was initially intended for children, but it has since gained popularity among adults as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

That very measure was initially intended for use against dissidents.

The New York Times

Bt brinjal was initially intended for Bangladesh, India and the Philippines.

Cornell University

The pilot plant closest to completion is CAREM in Argentina and was initially intended for use in submarines.

The Guardian

In 2015, Macy Gray claimed Katy Perry's 2008 US No 1 single, I Kissed a Girl, was initially intended for her.

The Guardian - Music

Despite the fact that it was initially intended for a wide area network, the WWW today enjoys tremendous success and penetration even in corporate environments.

Database and Data Communication Network Systems Techniques and Applications

The money, appropriated in the 2009 federal stimulus package, was initially intended for states with jobless rates higher than they were two years earlier.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There is also what marketers refer to as KGOY — Kids Getting Older Younger — their explanation for why 3-year-olds now play with toys that were initially intended for middle-schoolers.

The New York Times - Magazine

The software, called the Google Chrome Operating System, is initially intended for use in the tiny, low-cost portable computers known as netbooks, which have been selling quickly even as demand for other PCs has plummeted.

The New York Times - Tech

But no competitor has yet produced a chip as cheap, powerful and versatile as the new Cell chip.That the chip is initially intended for a computer game may strike some as underplaying the technological advance.

The Economist

While renowned agile methods like XP and Scrum were initially intended for projects with small teams, traditional enterprise environments, i.e. environments where plan-driven development is prevalent, have also become attracted by the promises of a faster time to market through agility.

Information and Software Technology

Dutch wax fabrics worn across West and Central Africa originally come from the Netherlands and were initially intended for the Indonesian market.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was initially intended for" to clearly communicate the original purpose of something before its use or application changed. This helps in providing context and understanding the evolution of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "was initially intended for" if the original purpose remains the primary purpose. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a shift or change in application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was initially intended for" functions as a retrospective indicator, specifying the original purpose or target of something before its current state or use. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used across various contexts to highlight shifts in function or application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was initially intended for" serves as a valuable tool for delineating the original purpose of something before changes or adaptations occurred. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase effectively provides historical context, clarifies the evolution of its subject, and maintains a neutral to formal tone. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively use "was initially intended for" to add depth and clarity to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was originally designed for

Focuses on the original design rather than the intention.

was initially created for

Highlights the act of creation and its original purpose.

was originally meant for

Emphasizes the original expectation or plan.

was first conceived for

Focuses on the initial idea or concept.

was primarily aimed at

Highlights the target or focus of the initial intention.

was originally developed for

Emphasizes the development process and its initial goal.

was formerly designated for

Focuses on a formal designation or purpose that has changed.

was at first planned for

Highlights the initial planning stage.

was projected for

Indicates an initial expectation or forecast.

was earmarked for

Suggests a specific allocation or designation.

FAQs

How can I use "was initially intended for" in a sentence?

Use "was initially intended for" to describe the original purpose or design of something before any changes occurred. For example, "The software "was initially intended for" internal use, but was later released to the public".

What are some alternatives to "was initially intended for"?

Alternatives include "was originally designed for", "was primarily aimed at", or "was originally meant for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "was initially intended for" versus "is currently used for"?

"Was initially intended for" highlights the original purpose, while "is currently used for" describes the present application. Use both to show a shift or evolution in purpose.

Is it redundant to say "was initially intended for" if the current use aligns with the original intention?

Yes, it can be redundant. If the current use aligns with the original intention, simply state the purpose without using "was initially intended for". However, it adds emphasis if you want to highlight that the original intention is still in place.