was intended for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was intended for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or target audience of something, often in contexts where the intended recipient or use is being clarified. Example: "The message was intended for the marketing team to ensure they understood the new campaign strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The poem was intended for oral performance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The aerocycle was intended for beginners.

The New York Times - Magazine

This event was intended for New Yorkers.

The New York Times

It was intended for Sir Isaiah Berlin.

The Guardian - Books

Habdelić's dictionary with 12,000 words was intended for schools.

Yale University

The water was intended for vodka production, said police.

The Guardian

For a while, the garden was intended for demolition.

The New York Times - Arts

Treasury said the relief program was intended for viable institutions.

The New York Times

William, like his father, was intended for the church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traditionally, social housing was intended for those most in need.

The Guardian

It was intended for display, but customers began wanting one.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the purpose of an object or concept, consider using "was intended for" to specify its design or function.

Common error

Avoid using "was intended for" when describing a current, but not original, use. If something is now used differently, clarify the shift in usage instead of misrepresenting its original purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was intended for" functions as a passive construction used to specify the original purpose or design of something. It is grammatically correct and usable in written English according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was intended for" serves to specify the original purpose or design of something, clearly indicating its intended use or target. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various writing contexts. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, be sure to accurately represent the initial aim and avoid misrepresenting current uses that differ from the original intention. Alternatives include "was designed for" and "was meant for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was designed for

Emphasizes the planning and creation with a specific purpose in mind.

was meant for

Indicates a planned or expected purpose, often less formal.

was created for

Highlights the act of creation with a specific use-case.

was purposed for

Focuses on the defined purpose or objective behind something.

was envisioned for

Suggests an initial concept or vision for its application.

was aimed at

Highlights the target or goal that something is directed towards.

was geared toward

Implies that something is specifically adapted to a particular need.

was tailored to

Indicates a custom fit or design for a specific situation.

was suited for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or compatibility for a role.

was developed for

Highlights the developmental process with a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "was intended for" to specify the original purpose or design of something. For instance, "This tool "was intended for" medical professionals" indicates the target audience for the tool.

What are some alternatives to "was intended for"?

Alternatives include "was designed for", "was meant for", or "was created for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is intended for" instead of "was intended for"?

Yes, both are correct, but they convey different time frames. "Is intended for" describes a current intention, while "was intended for" describes a past intention. For example, "This software is intended for beginners" versus "This software "was intended for" experts".

What's the difference between "was intended for" and "was aiming for"?

"Was intended for" specifies the original purpose or design, while "was aiming for" describes a goal or objective that someone was trying to achieve. For example, "The product "was intended for" mass market use" versus "The company "was aiming for" a younger demographic".