calculated to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculated to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is designed or intended to achieve a specific effect or outcome. Example: "The marketing campaign was calculated to attract a younger audience and increase brand awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's all calculated to get more fans".

The Guardian - Sport

It is also, correctly, calculated to charm.

The Guardian - Film

His portraits are calculated to appeal.

The New York Times - Arts

Politically, the film is calculated to a tee.

The New Yorker

Everything is calculated to keep patrons slightly on edge.

The New York Times - Food

This expenditure was calculated to about £50m a year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Calculated to provoke, it hits that target with inelegant intelligence.

The Guardian - Film

Everything that Varoufakis has done has been calculated to alienate".

The Guardian - Business

"It was all calculated to mislead," Mr. Herr said.

The New York Times

Everything is perfectly calculated to play to pre-adolescents' obsessions.

The New York Times

We prepare advertising that is calculated to sell the market".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calculated to" when you want to emphasize that something was deliberately planned or designed to achieve a specific effect. For example, "The advertisement was "calculated to" evoke feelings of nostalgia."

Common error

Avoid using "calculated to" in very informal or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "intended to" or "meant to" may be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calculated to" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action or plan with its intended outcome. As indicated by Ludwig, it suggests that something is designed or intended to achieve a specific effect or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "calculated to" is a commonly used purpose connector indicating that something is intentionally designed to achieve a specific effect. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and prevalent in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While "calculated to" can add a layer of formality and precision to writing, it's crucial to consider the register and choose alternatives like "designed to" or "intended to" for more informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to

Focuses on the planning and intention behind the action.

intended to

Emphasizes the purpose or goal of the action.

meant to

Highlights the intended outcome or function.

aimed at

Suggests a specific target or objective.

geared towards

Implies a specific adaptation or suitability for a purpose.

purposed to

Highlights the reason or goal for the action.

engineered to

Emphasizes a careful and deliberate design.

predetermined to

Indicates a prior decision or plan.

fashioned to

Suggests something was specifically made for a certain reason.

contrived to

Implies artificiality or manipulation to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "calculated to" in a sentence?

Use "calculated to" when describing actions or strategies designed with a specific purpose or effect in mind. For example, "The company's marketing strategy was "designed to" increase brand awareness among younger consumers."

What are some alternatives to "calculated to"?

Alternatives include "intended to", "meant to", "aimed at", or "designed to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "calculated to" formal or informal?

"Calculated to" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "meant to" or "supposed to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "calculated to" and "intended to"?

While similar, "calculated to" often implies a more deliberate and strategic planning process than "intended to". "Calculated" suggests a careful assessment of potential outcomes.