Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

were developed for

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"were developed for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been created to fulfil a specific purpose. For example, "New technology solutions were developed for improving online productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both were developed for Last.fm by UK-based developed Toby Beresford Applications Ltd.

News & Media

TechCrunch

They were developed for that purpose".

News & Media

The Guardian

Several techniques were developed for taking wagons down inclines.

New techniques were developed for fixing enemy gun positions.

The concepts were developed for Alfa Romeo's centennial.

News & Media

The New York Times

"No new TB treatments or tests were developed for more than 50 years.

News & Media

The Guardian

Simpler systems were developed for identifying and tracking livestock and other goods in transit.

News & Media

The New York Times

The first electric-light bulbs were developed for use on board battleships.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Price lists" were developed for in-game items, based on detailed statistical analyses of their properties.

And vessels of elaborate designs, varying little from those of today, were developed for various purposes.

News & Media

The New York Times

Several scenarios were developed for this purpose.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were developed for", ensure the sentence clearly states what was developed and its intended purpose. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were developed for" when an active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The program were developed for students", consider "Researchers developed the program for students" for clarity and directness.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were developed for" functions as a passive construction indicating purpose or intended use. It describes what something was created to achieve, as confirmed by Ludwig examples where new technologies or methods are brought into existence with a specific goal in mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were developed for" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to express the intended purpose behind the creation or modification of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, this phrase effectively conveys the reason a particular product, system, or strategy was brought into existence. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider whether an active voice might provide more clarity and directness in certain situations. Alternatives such as "were created for", "were designed for", or "were intended for" can also be used to add variety to your writing.

FAQs

How can I use "were developed for" in a sentence?

The phrase "were developed for" indicates the purpose or intended use of something. For example, "These guidelines were developed for ensuring data privacy".

What are some alternatives to "were developed for"?

You can use alternatives like "were created for", "were designed for", or "were intended for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were developed for"?

While "were developed for" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can often make your writing clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The system were developed for security", try "Engineers developed the system for security".

What's the difference between "were developed for" and "were used for"?

"Were developed for" indicates the intended purpose during creation, while "were used for" describes the actual application, which might differ. Something can be developed for one reason and then "be used for" another.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: