are designed to improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are designed to improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the purpose of a product, service, or process that aims to enhance performance or quality. Example: "These new software updates are designed to improve user experience and increase efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The improvements, including the Bi-County Parkway, are designed to improve traffic flow, spur economic development and provide better access to Dulles International Airport, supporters say.

The Washington Post

These cues are designed to improve efficiency and prevent injury.

The New York Times

The courses are designed to improve employee focus, clarity, and creativity.

Harvard Business Review

Many of Mr Emanuel's early executive orders are designed to improve transparency and accountability.

The Economist

Innovative programs such as EOLE, are designed to improve observance.

Revue des Maladies Respiratoires Actualités

The tracers are designed to improve geothermal reservoir management procedures.

Geothermics

An accompanying cassette is available, whose recordings are designed to improve delivery.

Stanford University

Course assignments are designed to improve your analysis and writing skills.

University of California, Berkeley

They cost legislators nothing, mean nothing, commit them to nothing and are designed to improve only one thing – their reputations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The IWU has several programmes that are designed to improve manufacturing processes for cars and other goods.

Nature

In corporate settings, teams frequently have to learn new technologies or processes that are designed to improve performance.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are designed to improve", ensure that the specific area or aspect being improved is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The changes are designed to improve", specify "The changes are designed to improve user experience".

Common error

Avoid using "are designed to improve" without specifying what is being improved. Vague statements lack clarity and reduce the impact of your writing. Always provide a clear and specific target for the improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are designed to improve" functions as a connector of purpose, linking a subject with the intended outcome of enhancing or betterment. According to Ludwig, this phrase is a common and acceptable way to express intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are designed to improve" serves as a clear and effective way to express the intended purpose of enhancing or bettering something. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct, versatile, and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the target of improvement for clarity. Alternatives such as "aim to enhance" or "intended to enhance" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended to enhance

Similar to the original, but uses "intended" instead of "designed".

have been created to improve

Emphasizes the act of creation with the purpose of improvement.

aim to enhance

Changes the structure and uses a different verb while maintaining the core meaning of improving something.

are geared towards improving

Uses a different prepositional phrase to convey the intended purpose.

seek to improve

Replaces "are designed" with "seek" offering a more active voice.

purpose is to enhance

Changes the sentence structure to highlight the purpose directly.

are structured to enhance

Replaces "designed" with "structured," focusing on the inherent structure.

are intended to boost

Substitutes "improve" with "boost", implying a more significant enhancement.

are built to optimize

Substitutes "improve" with "optimize", suggesting a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.

strive to enhance

Replaces "are designed" with "strive", reflecting a continuous effort to improve.

FAQs

How can I use "are designed to improve" in a sentence?

You can use "are designed to improve" to describe the intended function of a product, system, or strategy. For example: "These new features "are designed to improve" efficiency and reduce errors."

What are some alternatives to "are designed to improve"?

Some alternatives include "aim to enhance", "intended to enhance", or "seek to improve", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "are designed for improvement" or "are designed to improve"?

"Are designed to improve" is generally preferred because it uses an active verb and directly indicates the intended action. "Are designed for improvement" is grammatically correct, but less direct.

What is the difference between "are intended to improve" and "are designed to improve"?

While both phrases are very similar, "are designed to improve" often implies a more deliberate and planned approach. "Are intended to improve" simply states the purpose or goal. In most contexts, they "are interchangeable".