designed around

USAGE SUMMARY

"designed around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that something was created or structured with a particular focus or consideration in mind. Example: The software was designed around user-friendly features to make it accessible for people of all ages and technological abilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Offices are designed around tea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's designed around empathy and openness.

The Guardian

Abet quarterback with creative offense designed around him.

The New York Times - Sports

"This team is designed around the home run," Swisher said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The memorial was designed around the crash site.

The New York Times

"The house was designed around Richard's collections," Mr. Nelson said.

The New York Times

Policy is not designed around people who don't vote.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Second, it has entire neighbourhoods designed around hipster economics.

The Guardian - Opinion

BotW is designed around edge cases at a fundamental level.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A phone designed around people, not apps.

Huffington Post

*... unless it's designed around data.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "designed around", ensure that the core element or focus is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The curriculum is designed around project-based learning" is more effective than "The curriculum is designed around innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "designed around" without specifying what the design is centered on. Saying "The system is designed around efficiency" is less informative than specifying "The system is designed around minimizing energy consumption."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designed around" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction, indicating that something has been created or structured with a particular focus or element as its core. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting this central aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "designed around" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that something has been created or organized with a specific focus or element as its core. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "designed around", ensure clarity by specifying the core element to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "centered on" and "built around", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. This phrase is versatile and widely accepted, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

built around

Emphasizes the idea of construction and foundation, highlighting the structural aspect.

constructed with

Similar to "built around" but emphasizes the act of putting something together.

structured around

Highlights the organizational aspect, suggesting a systematic arrangement.

organized around

Focuses on the arrangement and systemization of elements.

centered on

Focus shifts from design to general centrality, indicating a primary focus.

focused on

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a primary point of attention or concentration.

developed with

Highlights the process of creation with a particular element in mind.

based on

Indicates a fundamental element or principle that something relies upon.

arranged according to

Focuses on the systematic placement and ordering of elements based on a specific criterion.

predicated on

Suggests a more formal or foundational reliance on a specific condition or element.

FAQs

How can I use "designed around" in a sentence?

Use "designed around" to indicate that something was created or structured with a particular focus in mind. For example, "The course is designed around practical application of the theory".

What's a good alternative to "designed around"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "centered on", "built around", or "structured around".

Is it correct to say "the system was designed around user needs"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It means the system was created with a primary focus on meeting the needs of its users.

What's the difference between "designed around" and "focused on"?

"Designed around" implies a structural or foundational element, while "focused on" simply indicates a primary point of attention. For example, a building might be "designed around" accessibility, while a meeting might be "focused on" budget allocation.