custom made

USAGE SUMMARY

"custom made" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is tailored or designed to fit one's specific needs or preferences. For example, "I ordered a custom made sofa to fit perfectly in my living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Before, they were custom made.

The New York Times

Moreover custom made implants are being used.

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

"Everything has to be custom made".

The New York Times - Food

Fancy custom made bicycles.

Forbes

An automated module can be commercial or custom made.

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

Custom made to your specifications.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I want to make custom-made suits.

The New York Times - Magazine

Amini did not have hers custom-made.

Huffington Post

The handles have to be custom-made.

The New York Times

They're not custom-made.

The New Yorker

They're custom-made in Queens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "custom made", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being tailored and for whom or what purpose. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid assuming that anything labeled "custom made" is inherently superior in quality. The value lies in its suitability for a specific need, not necessarily in elevated craftsmanship or materials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "custom made" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they have been specifically designed and constructed to meet individual requirements. As Ludwig AI points out, this adjective describes items tailored for a particular purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "custom made" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as an adjective to describe items tailored to specific requirements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase sees frequent use across various domains, especially in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. When using "custom made", clarity and specificity are key to convey the personalized nature of the item being described. Consider alternative phrases like ""tailor made"" or ""bespoke"" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made to order

Focuses on the act of creation following a specific request, highlighting the production process.

tailor-made

Emphasizes the precision and suitability of the item for a specific individual or purpose.

bespoke

Implies a high degree of customization and craftsmanship, often associated with luxury items.

customized

Highlights the adaptation of something existing to meet specific needs.

personalized

Focuses on making something unique to an individual, often through adding personal details.

specially designed

Emphasizes the unique design aspect tailored for a particular function or user.

made to specification

Highlights adherence to precise requirements and standards in the creation process.

unique creation

Focuses on the originality and distinctiveness of the item.

handcrafted

Emphasizes the skill and care involved in creating something by hand, often implying customization.

purpose-built

Highlights that something was specifically constructed for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "custom made" in a sentence?

You can use "custom made" to describe items specifically designed and created to meet individual requirements. For example, "She ordered a "custom made dress" for the gala."

What is a good alternative to "custom made"?

Alternatives to "custom made" include "tailor made", "bespoke", or "made to order" depending on the level of formality and specific context.

Is "custom made" the same as "handmade"?

"Custom made" means something is designed and created to specific requirements, while "handmade" refers to the method of creation. A custom-made item may or may not be handmade, and a handmade item is not necessarily "custom made".

When should I use "custom made" versus "customized"?

Use "custom made" when something is entirely created from scratch to your specifications. Use "customized" when an existing product is modified to better suit your needs. For instance, a "custom made suit" is built from the ground up, while a customized phone has altered settings.