were intended for

USAGE SUMMARY

'were intended for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular purpose or use that something was intended for. For example: "The items in the box were intended for the office party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Originally, they were intended for 5-year-olds.

The New York Times

Variable annuities were intended for long-term retirement investment.

The New York Times

Officials speculated that the explosives were intended for Haifa.

The New York Times

All of those pieces were intended for domestic performances.

The New York Times - Arts

His most important works were intended for posthumous publication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's not what the Pell grants were intended for.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Originally built in the 1930s, Omaha housing projects were intended for occupancy without reference to race.

Wikipedia

These were intended for presentation to members deserving of special honor, such as an outgoing president.

Wikipedia

Glutaraldehyde-preserved samples were intended for ultrastructural analyses with TEM (see below) and also imaging with light microscopy; formalin-preserved samples were intended for quantification and/or imaging.

BMC Biology

A spokesman for Aspire said the offices were intended for Katara.

The Guardian

The old almshouses were intended for the poor, but the new council houses were not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were intended for", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what was designed or purposed for a specific use or audience. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were intended for" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The regulations were intended for businesses", consider "The regulations targeted businesses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were intended for" functions as part of a passive voice construction, indicating the purpose or design for which something was created or planned. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were intended for" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe the designed purpose or target of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Analysis reveals that it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what was designed or purposed for a particular use. While "were intended for" is useful, consider active voice alternatives for more directness. With a neutral register, this phrase is versatile across formal and informal writing, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were designed for

Focuses on the design aspect and suitability for a particular purpose.

were meant for

Highlights the intended recipient or purpose, often implying a less formal or planned intention.

were created for

Emphasizes the act of creation with a specific goal or use in mind.

were purposed for

Stresses the defined purpose or function something was made to serve.

were designated for

Implies an official or formal allocation for a certain use or group.

were tailored for

Suggests a customized or specifically adapted design to fit particular needs.

were destined for

Indicates a preordained or inevitable purpose, adding a sense of fate.

were developed for

Highlights the process of development with a clear target application.

were conceived for

Focuses on the initial idea or concept behind something's intended use.

were geared towards

Emphasizes the direction or orientation of something towards a specific outcome or audience.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were intended for" is used to describe the original purpose or design of something. For example: "These tools "were intended for surgical procedures"."

What are some alternatives to "were intended for"?

You can use alternatives like "were designed for", "were meant for", or "were created for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "were intended for" is a passive construction, it's often suitable when the actor is unknown or less important than the object's purpose. However, consider using the active voice for a more direct statement, such as "The designers intended these features for advanced users".

How does the formality of writing affect the use of "were intended for"?

"Were intended for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, ensure the sentence structure is clear and unambiguous. In informal contexts, it can be used more loosely, but clarity should still be a priority.