was invented for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was invented for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or intended use of something that was created or developed. Example: "The device was invented for improving communication in remote areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Photography was invented for newspapers.

The New York Times

It was invented for the railroads.

The New Yorker

That's what fast-forwarding was invented for.

The New York Times - Arts

It's what SEO was invented for.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the item the word "festooned" was invented for.

The New York Times

It is, after all, what the music was invented for.

The New Yorker

After all, is that not what Coachella was invented for?

The Guardian - Music

David Cameron demonstrated the teleprompter was invented for a reason.

The Guardian

The word verisimilitude was invented for this movie!

The Guardian - Film

Cable was invented for shows like "Def Comedy Jam".

The New York Times - Magazine

Writing is an instrument that was invented for recording, storing, and communicating.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was invented for" to clearly state the original intention or primary purpose behind an innovation, tool, or concept. This helps provide context and understanding to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "was invented for" when referring to natural phenomena or pre-existing elements that are discovered rather than created. Instead, use phrases like "was identified for" or "was recognized for" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was invented for" functions as a passive voice construction indicating the purpose or reason behind the creation of something. It highlights the intended use or original function, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was invented for" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to specify the intended purpose or original function of an invention. As Ludwig's examples show, it's widely used in news, science, and general contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish between inventions and discoveries, avoiding its use for naturally occurring phenomena. Alternatives like "was created to" or "was designed for" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was created to

Focuses on the act of creation with a specific intent.

was designed for

Emphasizes the planning and intention behind the design.

was developed for

Highlights the process of development and its intended use.

was purposed for

Emphasizes the intended purpose or function.

was made for

Indicates suitability or intended compatibility.

was conceived for

Focuses on the initial idea or concept behind the creation.

was intended to

Highlights the original intention or plan.

serves the purpose of

Emphasizes the function or role something fulfills.

is meant for

Indicates the expected or appropriate use.

is for the sake of

Highlights the reason or goal for something's existence.

FAQs

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

Use "was invented for" to describe the intended purpose or original function of something new. For instance, "The printing press was invented for mass-producing books."

What are some alternatives to "was invented for"?

You can use alternatives like "was created to", "was designed for", or "was developed for" to express a similar idea.

Which is correct, "was invented for" or "invented to be"?

"Was invented for" is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness. "Invented to be" can sound awkward and is less commonly used.

What's the difference between "was invented for" and "was made for"?

"Was invented for" emphasizes the original purpose of an invention, while "was made for" can refer to suitability or compatibility. For example, "The telescope was invented for observing distant objects," versus "This software was made for Windows."