by design

USAGE SUMMARY

"by design" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means something happened in a planned or intended way. Example sentence: The council made sure to have a well-crafted plan, everything happening by design.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is by design.

The New York Times - Sports

That is by design.

The New York Times

Is that by design?

The New York Times

(I presume by design).

The New York Times

Indeed, and by design.

The New York Times

Was this by design?

The New York Times

Except by design.

The New York Times - Arts

Not by design.

The New Yorker

Was that by design?

The New York Times

That was by design.

The New York Times

AMBIENCE Dour by design.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by design" to clearly communicate that a particular outcome or feature was intentionally created or planned, rather than occurring accidentally.

Common error

Avoid using "by design" when describing unintended consequences or side effects. It's appropriate only when something was deliberately planned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by design" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something was done intentionally and according to a plan. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by design" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates intentionality and planning. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a wide range of contexts, most prominently in news and media. While alternatives like "intentionally" or "on purpose" exist, "by design" often carries a connotation of structured planning. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a deliberate choice or planned outcome. Understanding its nuanced meaning and appropriate context will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentionally

Replaces the phrase with a single adverb, simplifying the expression of intent.

deliberately

Similar to 'intentionally', it emphasizes a conscious and planned action.

on purpose

A more informal alternative, indicating a clear intention to perform an action.

purposely

A more formal synonym for 'on purpose', suggesting a specific goal in mind.

with intent

Highlights the mental state behind the action, focusing on the planning aspect.

premeditatedly

Indicates that the action was carefully considered and planned beforehand.

according to plan

Emphasizes that the outcome aligns with a previously established plan.

as planned

Shorter version of 'according to plan', it denotes agreement with an existing strategy.

by intention

Similar to "by design" but puts greater focus on the actor's mental state and desire to bring a specific result.

with forethought

Highlights that the action was preceded by careful consideration and anticipation of potential outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "by design" in a sentence?

You can use "by design" to indicate that something was done intentionally or according to a plan. For example, "The software's user interface is simple "by design" to make it accessible to beginners."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by design"?

Alternatives to "by design" include "intentionally", "deliberately", or "on purpose". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by design" and "on purpose"?

While both phrases suggest intentionality, "by design" often implies a more structured or planned approach, while "on purpose" can be used more broadly for any deliberate action.

Which is more formal, "by design" or "intentionally"?

"Intentionally" is generally considered more formal than "by design", though both are appropriate in many contexts. The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.