were intended to

USAGE SUMMARY

"were intended to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to the original purpose or goal of an action, typically in the past tense. For example: The elaborate decorations at the wedding reception were intended to create a magical atmosphere.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few safeguards were intended to apply.

The Guardian - Opinion

The talks were intended to be private.

The New York Times

"These attacks were intended to provoke," he said.

The Guardian

Tuesday's actions were intended to help dispel those fears.

The Washington Post

And they did what they were intended to do.

The New Yorker

The sisters were intended to be an order of teachers.

The New York Times

"The president's words were intended to give diplomacy another chance".

The New York Times

"They were intended to help those with serious economic disadvantages".

The New York Times

But she denied the words were intended to be offensive.

The Guardian

But those telephone tapes were intended to be secret.

The New York Times

He asked fucking questions that were intended to inflame.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were intended to", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what or who had the intention. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "were intended to" when the actor is unclear or missing. Always specify who or what held the intention to provide clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were intended to" functions as a purpose connector, linking a subject with its intended outcome or goal. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in denoting original aims.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were intended to" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express the original purpose or design behind a past action or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a purpose connector, explaining the motivations and objectives behind various endeavors. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, this phrase is versatile and appropriate for neutral communication registers. When using "were intended to", clarity is key; ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what held the intention. Remember, simpler alternatives like "meant to" or "designed for" can be used for conciseness, while "was intended to" should be used with singular subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meant to

A more concise way of expressing the original purpose.

designed for

Focuses on the design aspect implying a specific purpose.

created to

Emphasizes the act of creation with a specific goal.

aimed at

Highlights the target or objective of the action.

purposed to

A more formal way of saying something was intended for a specific reason.

envisioned to

Highlights the initial vision or expectation for something.

planned to

Focuses on the planning stage and the intended outcome.

developed for

Similar to 'designed for' but emphasizes the development process.

had the objective of

A longer phrase that clearly states the objective or goal.

with the intention of

Expresses the purpose or aim behind an action or design.

FAQs

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

Use "were intended to" to describe the original purpose or design of something in the past. For instance, "These reforms "were intended to" improve efficiency."

What's a simpler way to say "were intended to"?

You can use phrases like "meant to", "designed for", or "aimed at" to convey a similar meaning with fewer words.

Is it correct to use "was intended to" instead of "were intended to"?

"Was intended to" is used with singular subjects, while "were intended to" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The program was intended to help students", but "The programs "were intended to" help students."

What is the difference between "were intended to" and "were supposed to"?

"Were intended to" describes the original plan or purpose, while "were supposed to" often describes an expectation or agreement that may or may not have been fulfilled. For example, "The funds "were intended to" support education", but "The funds were supposed to arrive yesterday".