an original design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an original design" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a design that is unique and not copied from others. Example: "The artist showcased an original design that captivated the audience with its creativity and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wanted an original design.

The New York Times

"They have an original design, and the use of fabric, cut and color cannot be imitated".

The New York Times

Work on the new national stadium has fallen behind schedule because the government abandoned an original design amid spiralling costs.

The Guardian - Sport

And however morphing compromises an original design, buildings can become more fascinating and attractive as they accumulate new lives.

The New York Times - Arts

And several operators sell handsets made by HTC, an "original design manufacturer" (ODM) based in Taiwan, under their own brands.

The Economist

Ecological Interface Design proposes an original design methodology to facilitate human operator perception.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

It is based on an original design which dispenses with an external vacuum jacket.

Chemical Physics Letters

In this article, infrared thermoelectric microsensors manufactured by CMOS technology with an original design are presented.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

A CMOS 2D Hall magnetometer for in-plane vector measurements using an original design is tested.

Procedia Chemistry

And in February of this year, the Scripps Research Institute published details of a DNA-based biological computer based on an original design by Alan Turing.

The Guardian

Sun, for instance, has created many important technologies in-house, including a family of microprocessors based on an original design and the Java language, popular with programmers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artistic creations, use "an original design" to emphasize the uniqueness and lack of imitation in the work. This helps convey the creator's inventiveness and creative vision.

Common error

Avoid using "an original design" to solely emphasize functionality. Originality refers to the unique concept and not merely how well it performs a task. If a design is functional but lacks novelty, it's not necessarily "an original design".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an original design" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, specifically describing the design as being unique and not derivative. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

55%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an original design" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to denote a design's uniqueness and lack of imitation. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it effectively communicates the novelty and inventive qualities of creations. While alternatives like "a unique design" or "an innovative design" exist, "an original design" succinctly conveys the idea of a creation that sets itself apart through its distinctive concept and execution. It is crucial to differentiate originality from mere functionality, ensuring the term is reserved for designs truly innovative and distinct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique design

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and one-of-a-kind nature of the design.

a novel design

Highlights the innovative and new aspects of the design.

an innovative design

Focuses on the design's inventiveness and forward-thinking qualities.

a creative design

Stresses the artistic and imaginative aspects of the design.

a pioneering design

Suggests the design is groundbreaking and sets a new standard.

a distinctive design

Highlights the features that make the design easily recognizable and different.

an unprecedented design

Emphasizes that the design has never existed before.

a groundbreaking design

Indicates the design is revolutionary and introduces significant change.

an inventive design

Focuses on the skill and ingenuity behind the design.

an imaginative design

Stresses the use of creativity and fantasy in the design process.

FAQs

How can I use "an original design" in a sentence?

You can use "an original design" to describe something that is unique and not copied. For example: "The architect presented "an original design" for the new museum."

What are some alternatives to "an original design"?

Alternatives include "a unique design", "a novel design", or "an innovative design", each emphasizing different aspects of the design's novelty.

Is it redundant to say "a very original design"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very original design" can be redundant. The term "original" already implies uniqueness, so emphasizing it with "very" doesn't add much value. Consider using a stronger alternative or focusing on specific qualities that make the design stand out.

What's the difference between "an original design" and "an innovative design"?

"An original design" focuses on the uniqueness and lack of imitation, while "an innovative design" emphasizes the forward-thinking and inventive qualities. An original design may not necessarily be innovative, and vice versa.