designate it as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "designate it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to assign a specific label or category to something. Example: "Please designate it as a priority task so that we can address it promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Some checkers sets have a crown on the back of the checkers, so you can just flip a piece over once its crowned to designate it as the king instead.

WikiHow

Richard Shelby (R-Ala) demanded to know why "the administration protecting China by refusing to designate it as a currency manipulator" -- a designation that could lead to trade sanctions.

Huffington Post

Its module code is DL1, which is used to designate it as the first part of the Dragonlace adventure series.

Wikipedia

Toruń's medieval legacy led UNESCO to designate it as a World Heritage site in 1997.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This led me to buy a black leatherette armchair and to designate it as my haven.

The New Yorker

The punishment is rooted in Islamic legal traditions, known as hadiths, that designate it as the penalty for adultery.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This result confirmed that the 80 91 residue of hTNF-α was a novel epitope, and we designated it as YG1.

Plosone

This gene exists as a single copy and we tentatively designated it as TcLEC2.

BMC Plant Biology

Caltrans has subsequently designated it as a scenic highway for its entire length.

Wikipedia

At 1200 UTC, MFR issued its last advisory after Haruna began losing tropical characteristics, designating it as a subtropical depression.

Wikipedia

It also the state breakfast sandwich, although the Legislature has not officially designated it as such.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "designate it as", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason and authority behind the designation. For example, "The committee decided to designate it as a protected area due to its ecological significance."

Common error

While "designate it as" is correct, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "classify", "label", or "identify" for variety and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designate it as" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of assigning a specific role, label, or category to something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in contexts where a formal assignment or classification is being made.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "designate it as" is a versatile verb phrase used to formally assign a role, label, or category. Ludwig highlights its presence in diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, confirming its widespread applicability. The linguistic analysis reveals a neutral to formal register, suitable for contexts needing precise categorization. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to vary your writing by using synonyms like "label it as" or "classify it as" to avoid repetition. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is both correct and widely used, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

label it as

Uses a more generic term for assignment, focusing on providing a label.

classify it as

Emphasizes categorization based on specific criteria.

name it as

Focuses on the act of giving a specific name or title.

term it as

Implies using a specific term or expression to refer to something.

identify it as

Emphasizes the act of determining or establishing the identity of something.

style it as

Suggests assigning a certain style or characteristic.

mark it as

Highlights the act of physically or symbolically marking something to indicate its status.

consider it as

Indicates a more reflective or evaluative assessment before assignment.

regard it as

Similar to consider, suggesting a specific perspective or viewpoint.

recognize it as

Focuses on acknowledging or accepting something as a particular type.

FAQs

How can I use "designate it as" in a sentence?

You can use "designate it as" to assign a specific label or category to something. For instance, "The company decided to designate it as a high-priority project."

What can I say instead of "designate it as"?

You can use alternatives like "label it as", "classify it as", or "name it as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "designated as" instead of "designate it as"?

"Designated as" is the past participle form and typically used in passive constructions (e.g., "It was designated as a historical landmark"). "Designate it as" is the active infinitive form, used when you are performing the designation.

What is the difference between "designate it as" and "define it as"?

"Designate it as" implies assigning a specific role or category, while "define it as" focuses on providing a specific meaning or definition. They are similar but emphasize different aspects of categorization versus meaning.