were made for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were made for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was specifically designed or intended for a particular purpose or person. Example: "These shoes were made for walking, and that's just what they'll do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No applications were made for bail.

Independent

These books were made for rolling.

The New Yorker

The changes were made for a reason.

The New York Times

Ancient works were made for functional purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Exceptions, however, were made for shopping.

The Economist

Two were made for French television.

The New Yorker

We were made for each other".

Independent

We were made for twilight.

The Guardian - Arts

They were made for solitude.

The New York Times - Arts

You were made for an incognito job.

The New Yorker

His first movies were made for television.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were made for" to clearly indicate the intended purpose or design of something. For example, "This software tools were made for simplifying complex tasks."

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice, including "were made for", can make your writing sound less direct. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to add impact and clarity to your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were made for" functions as a passive construction indicating purpose or suitability. It highlights the design or creation intent. Examples provided by Ludwig, such as "These books were made for rolling", illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were made for" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to indicate the intended purpose or design of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various writing styles, particularly in news, science, and general contexts. While "were made for" is quite common, be mindful of overuse of the passive voice. Consider using alternatives like "were designed for" or "were intended for" depending on your desired emphasis. Remember to use "was made for" for singular subjects and ""were made for"" for plural ones. When in doubt, always double-check your subject-verb agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were intended for

Focuses on the purpose or plan behind the creation or design.

were designed for

Highlights the specific design considerations that make something suitable.

were created for

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

were suited for

Indicates a natural or inherent compatibility.

were built for

Highlights the construction or assembly process with a purpose.

were purposed for

Stresses the intended use or function.

were tailored for

Implies a customized or specifically adapted fit.

were destined for

Suggests a predetermined or inevitable connection.

were meant for

Emphasizes the intended or expected outcome.

were fashioned for

Highlights the craftsmanship or artistry involved.

FAQs

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

Use "were made for" to indicate the intended purpose or suitability of something. For instance, "These tools "were made for" precisely cutting materials".

What's a simple substitute for "were made for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "were designed for", "were intended for", or "were created for".

How does "were made for" differ from "were meant for"?

"Were made for" emphasizes the intention behind the creation, while "were meant for" focuses on the expected outcome or purpose. They are often interchangeable, but "were made for" is more concrete regarding the making process.

Is it correct to say "was made for" instead of "were made for"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was made for" with singular subjects (e.g., "This tool was made for this project") and ""were made for"" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tools were made for these projects").