design a system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "design a system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the creation or planning of a structured approach or method for a specific purpose, often in fields like engineering, software development, or organizational management. Example: "Our team has been tasked to design a system that improves communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What sane person would design a system like this?

The Guardian

We've got to design a system that will allow us to combine convenience and safety".

The New York Times

You wouldn't design a system this way — it's filled with overlaps and competitive excess.

The New Yorker

"It's not all that difficult to design a system that sprays water," he said.

The New York Times

"But it is difficult to design a system that sprays water in all the right places".

The New York Times

Rich nations pledged to design a system to help the poor in coping with global warming.

The New York Times

We are going to design a system where the kids get something".

The New York Times

"If you want to design a system that works then it must engage the private sector".

The New York Times

"To design a system based on our needs, we filled out forms," said Jane Schnabel of Upper Brookville, N.Y.

The New York Times

The goal was to design a system that would ensure that the information was secure for more than a century.

The New York Times - Science

Toyota wanted to see if it could better understand driver behavior — and perhaps design a system to detect drowsiness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "design a system", consider the specific type of system and tailor your language accordingly. For instance, use more technical terms when discussing software or engineering systems.

Common error

Avoid using "design a system" when a more specific verb would be appropriate. Instead of saying 'We need to design a system', try 'We need to develop a software architecture' if you are referring to designing software.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "design a system" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of planning, creating, or structuring a system. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "design a system" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of creating a structured method or process. According to Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it appropriate for various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. When using this phrase, consider the specific type of system you're discussing and tailor your language accordingly. Although it's a widely accepted phrase, avoid overgeneralization by choosing more specific verbs when applicable. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources confirms its validity and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a system

Focuses more on the process of building and evolving a system, rather than the initial planning.

create a system

Emphasizes the act of bringing a system into existence.

build a system

Highlights the construction and assembly of a system's components.

construct a system

Similar to "build a system", but may imply a more formal or methodical approach.

establish a system

Suggests setting up a system with the intention of making it permanent.

engineer a system

Implies a more technical and precise approach to system creation.

devise a system

Suggests a clever or inventive approach to creating a system.

implement a system

Highlights putting a pre-existing system into operation.

formulate a system

Places emphasis on the clear and precise articulation of a system.

model a system

Focuses on creating a simplified representation of a system for analysis or simulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "design a system" when talking about creating a process, plan, or structure to achieve a particular goal. For example, "The team was tasked with designing a system for managing customer feedback".

What are some alternatives to "design a system"?

You can use alternatives like "develop a system", "create a system", or "engineer a system" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "design a system" or "develop a system"?

Both "design a system" and "develop a system" are correct, but "design" focuses more on the initial planning, while "develop" implies a more iterative process of building and refining.

What does it mean to "design a system"?

To "design a system" means to plan and create a set of interconnected elements or processes that work together to achieve a specific objective. It involves defining the system's components, their relationships, and how they will function as a whole.