were meant for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were meant for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was intended or designed for a specific purpose or person. Example: "These gifts were meant for the children in the hospital to bring them joy during the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were meant for each other.

The New York Times

They were meant for staff meetings.

The New York Times

Satirical prints like The Glutton were meant for popular amusement.

Yale University

But you felt like you were meant for something better.

The Guardian - Film

Wax cylinders were meant for businessmen to dictate letters on.

The New Yorker

They were meant for derivery in another room.

The New Yorker

They were meant for each other, runaway souls.

The New Yorker

Few of these photographs were meant for exhibition.

The New York Times - Arts

"These two companies were meant for each other".

The New York Times

Both knew they were meant for each other in India.

The New York Times

But somewhere at school, my youngest came to believe Shopkins were meant for girls.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone. "Were meant for" can imply intention, destiny, or suitability. Select the phrase that best fits the context.

Common error

Avoid using "were meant to" when you actually mean "was supposed to". The former implies a pre-determined purpose, while the latter suggests an expectation or plan that may not have been fulfilled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were meant for" functions as a passive construction indicating the intended purpose or design of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common expression, often suggesting a pre-determined role or destiny. Examples show its use in describing objects, relationships, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were meant for" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating intention, design, or destiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "were intended for" might be preferred in certain settings. The phrase's primary function is to express the intended purpose or inherent nature of a subject, as evidenced by its frequent use in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using "were meant for", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and ensure clarity in your sentence construction. Avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "were supposed to", which carries a different implication. Based on this analysis, "were meant for" is a reliable and effective phrase for expressing purpose and intention in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were intended for

Replaces "meant" with "intended", focusing on the purpose or plan behind something.

were designed for

Emphasizes the planning and creation aspect, suggesting a specific design or function.

were created for

Highlights the act of creation with a specific purpose in mind.

were destined for

Shifts the focus to fate or destiny, suggesting that something was predetermined.

were purposed for

Formal alternative that emphasizes the intended function or aim.

were tailored for

Implies a specific adaptation or customization for a particular use or recipient.

were suited for

Suggests compatibility or appropriateness for a given role or situation.

were made for

A more colloquial alternative focusing on the inherent purpose.

were assigned to

Indicates that something has been specifically allocated to a particular purpose

were reserved for

Suggests that something was set aside for a particular person or purpose.

FAQs

What does "were meant for" mean?

The phrase "were meant for" signifies that something was intended, designed, or destined for a specific purpose or recipient. It implies that there was a plan or reason behind its creation or allocation.

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

You can use "were meant for" to describe the intended purpose of objects, roles, or even relationships. For example, "These tools "were meant for" delicate work", or "They "were meant for" each other".

What are some alternatives to "were meant for"?

Alternatives include "were intended for", "were designed for", or "were destined for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "were meant for" and "were supposed to"?

"Were meant for" implies a pre-determined purpose or destiny, while "were supposed to" indicates an expectation or obligation that may not have been met. For example, "These instructions "were meant for" beginners" versus "These instructions "were supposed to" be followed, but no one did".