design

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'design' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of creating something or to refer to the plan or look of something. For example, "I'm designing an outline for a presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our designers, our engineers, are inspired by great products and by great design out there.

The Guardian - Tech

Malofiej Awards, April 2006 The Guardian won two silver awards for graphic design.

The Guardian

In a design statement that verges on farce, Mayne describes the proposal as "a minimalist act that reiterates the site and offers to the viewer a mirrored, refracted perspective of the landscape".

The Guardian - Arts

The original roots of the "corporate identity" business lay in design-led American companies which, from the 30s to the 50s, rationalised the look of great corporations through the application of massive design programmes.

The Guardian

Wolff had studied architecture and design and had been working in a small London design partnership when they met and started their groundbreaking brand consultancy Wolff Olins in 1965.

The Guardian

When he came to give a talk at the college, the room was packed with business students of many nationalities who lapped up his observations on design and branding and bathed him in admiration and affection.

The Guardian

We just launched a design your own boots service and I have designed a lovely pair for spring.

The Guardian

The latest Chilcot report concludes that while it is feasible to design a legally compliant regime, the use of intercept evidence would not be consistent with previous operational requirements and would incur significant costs and risks for uncertain benefits in terms of increased numbers of successful prosecutions.

The Guardian

No experience of graphic design is necessary, as the course provides an introduction to classic data visualisation templates – for simple and more involved infographics – that give statistics an impact that words can't match.

The Guardian

We design a new production for every venue that is kind enough to invite us.

The Guardian

At fashion boutique Bodice, owner Ruchika Sachdeva offers androgynous design, unconventional cuts and uses traditional methods such as block printing.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "design" in contexts where careful planning and execution are implied, not just random creation.

Common error

Avoid using "design" when you simply mean decoration or superficial styling. "Design" implies a deeper level of planning and functionality, not just aesthetic enhancement.

Linguistic Context

The word "design" functions both as a noun, referring to a plan or the appearance of something, and as a verb, meaning to create or plan. Ludwig AI validates that "design" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "design" is a versatile word that can function as both a noun and a verb. It's grammatically sound and widely used, as Ludwig AI confirms. The examples provided demonstrate its application across various fields, primarily in news and media contexts. When using "design", clarity is key: specify whether you are referring to the process of creating something or the final product of that process. Avoid confusing it with mere decoration. The high frequency and authoritative sources underscore its importance in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blueprint

Specific to detailed plans, often for construction or technical projects.

plan

Emphasizes the organizational aspect of design, often lacking the aesthetic or functional considerations.

devise

Implies inventive and resourceful creation, often in response to a specific need.

create

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence, rather than the detailed planning aspect.

formulate

Suggests a systematic and precise approach to creating a plan or strategy.

develop

Highlights the gradual evolution and improvement process inherent in design.

layout

Describes the arrangement of elements within a space or design.

structure

Highlights the underlying framework and organization of a design.

style

Refers to the aesthetic appearance of something, often related to fashion or art.

arrange

Focuses on the placement and organization of elements in a design.

FAQs

How is "design" used as a verb?

As a verb, "design" means to plan and create something, like in the sentence, "They "design"ed a new user interface".

What are some synonyms for "design" as a noun?

Synonyms for "design" as a noun include "plan", "blueprint", and "layout", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "design" and "develop"?

"Design" refers to the initial planning and conceptualization, while "develop" refers to the process of building or bringing that plan to fruition.

Is it correct to say "design your own"?

Yes, "design your own" is a common phrase, especially in marketing contexts, like "design your own boots" as highlighted in one of the examples.