we are meant to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are meant to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about predetermined circumstances that are a part of a plan or expected outcome. For example, "We are meant to arrive at the party by 8:00pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are meant to work".

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps we are meant to.

The New Yorker

"We are meant to be hungry".

The New Yorker

We are meant to laugh.

The Guardian - Books

We are meant to be counter cultural.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are meant to be out there," Dr. Ratey says.

Harvard University

We are meant to be passive, and we are.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are meant to be strong," he told me.

The New Yorker

We are meant to think about the language of plays.

The New York Times

We know and we are meant to know.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are meant to warm to Buddy's unsophisticated niceness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the context clearly implies a predefined plan or expectation, preventing ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "we are meant to" when simply expressing a personal desire or intention. Instead, use phrases like "we want to" or "we intend to" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are meant to" functions as a modal construction expressing purpose, destiny, or inherent design. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in conveying expectations or intended outcomes. Examples illustrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are meant to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express a sense of purpose, expectation, or destiny. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various domains. With a neutral register, it fits into many contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly conveys a predefined plan or inherent design, and avoid confusing it with simple personal intentions. Considering alternatives like "we are supposed to" or "we are intended to" can also add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are supposed to

Expresses expectation or obligation, similar to "meant to", but can also imply a rule or instruction.

we are intended to

Indicates a plan or purpose, focusing on the intention behind an action.

we are designed to

Suggests a specific purpose or function, often implying a deliberate creation or arrangement.

it is our destiny to

Implies a predetermined course of events, emphasizing fate or a grand plan.

we are destined to

Similar to 'it is our destiny to', suggesting a future that is unavoidable or predetermined.

we are obliged to

Highlights a sense of duty or legal requirement, indicating a binding obligation.

we are required to

Emphasizes a formal or official necessity, indicating a need to comply with rules or standards.

we are expected to

Expresses anticipation or expectation from others, focusing on what is anticipated of us.

we should

Offers a recommendation or suggestion, implying a best course of action.

we must

Indicates a strong necessity or obligation, emphasizing the importance of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "we are meant to" in a sentence?

Use "we are meant to" to express a sense of purpose, destiny, or inherent design. For example, "We are meant to learn from our mistakes and grow stronger."

What's a formal alternative to "we are meant to"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "we are intended to" or "we are designed to" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "we are meant to" and "we are supposed to"?

While similar, "we are meant to" often implies a deeper, more inherent purpose, while "we are supposed to" usually refers to expectations or rules. For instance, "We are meant to help each other" versus "We are supposed to be at the meeting by 9 AM."

What are some similar phrases to "we are meant to"?

Similar phrases include "we are destined to", "it is our destiny to", and "we are obliged to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. These phrases all express some form of predetermination or expectation.