design something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "design something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating or planning an object, system, or concept. Example: "The team was tasked to design something innovative that would improve user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why can't all our "cool" designers actually design something for the poor?

The Guardian

"We don't have in-house designers to be able to design something for you," Marks says.

Los Angeles Times

Design something to sell to the government.

The New Yorker

Design something to put on an altar.

The New Yorker

"Design something to put over a child's bed".

The New York Times

"Design something to sell on a street corner".

The New York Times

"You design something and then suddenly you see it executed.

The New York Times

When I design something, I always start drawing without constraints.

The New York Times

"We definitely don't design something just to be Instagrammed".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And she asks him to design something for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But sometimes it's more important to design something that can both stand alone and blend well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "design something", consider specifying the purpose or audience of the design to provide more context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "design something" without any specific context. Always indicate what you're designing and, if relevant, for whom or what purpose. For example, instead of saying "I need to design something", try "I need to design a user-friendly interface for the new app."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "design something" is as a verb phrase acting as a transitive verb taking a direct object. The verb "design" indicates an action, and "something" serves as the object being acted upon. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples showing its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "design something" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the act of creating or planning. Ludwig AI analysis shows its broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to science and general discussions. It is important to provide context and specify the purpose of the design to avoid vagueness. Related phrases such as "create something" or "develop something" can offer alternative nuances. Remember to always specify the object of the design. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create something

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

develop something

Focuses on the gradual growth and improvement of an idea or product.

invent something

Highlights the novelty and originality of the creation.

devise something

Suggests a clever or inventive plan or solution.

formulate something

Implies a systematic and precise method of creating or planning.

conceive something

Focuses on the initial idea or mental picture of the creation.

construct something

Emphasizes the physical building or assembly of something.

draft something

Suggests a preliminary version or outline of a design or plan.

engineer something

Highlights the technical and scientific aspects of the creation.

originate something

Emphasizes the beginning or starting point of the creation.

FAQs

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

You can use "design something" when referring to the act of creating or planning an object, system, or concept. For example: "The goal is to "design something" innovative that meets the client's needs."

What are some alternatives to "design something"?

Alternatives include "create something", "develop something", or "invent something". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "designed something" instead of "design something"?

Yes, "designed something" is the past tense form of the phrase. Use "designed something" when referring to an action that has already been completed.

What is the difference between "design something" and "engineer something"?

"Design something" is a broader term that encompasses the overall planning and aesthetic aspects of creation. "Engineer something" focuses specifically on the technical and scientific aspects of building something.