designed to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "designed to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an object or system that was specifically created to perform a certain task. For example: The new software was designed to do make calculations more efficiently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's designed to do that.

The New York Times

"Corrective training" is designed to do that.

The New York Times

We are designed to do it.

The Guardian - Tech

The roof is designed to do likewise.

The Guardian - Arts

That's what they were designed to do.

Harvard Business Review

That is what our foreign policy is designed to do.

The Guardian

"That's what these steps are designed to do".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That's what 401(k) plans were designed to do.

Forbes

This is what these bonds are designed to do.

The Guardian

The review framework is designed to do just that.

Science Magazine

The programming designed to do this involves two main components.

Petroleum Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "designed to do" when you want to clearly state the intended purpose or function of something, especially when emphasizing planning and intention.

Common error

Avoid using "designed to do" with unclear or ambiguous pronouns. Instead of saying 'It is designed to do that', specify what 'it' refers to: 'The software is designed to streamline data processing'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designed to do" functions as a purpose connector, linking a subject with its intended action or function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the specific reason an object or system was created. Examples in Ludwig show its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "designed to do" is a grammatically correct and very common construction used to express the intended purpose or function of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts. It appears most often in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is "designed" and avoid vague pronoun references. Alternatives such as "intended to do" or "meant to do" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Mastering this phrase will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended to do

Focuses on the intention or purpose behind the design.

meant to do

Similar to 'intended', but can also imply expectation.

created to do

Emphasizes the act of creation with a specific goal.

built to do

Highlights the construction aspect and its purpose.

engineered to do

Implies a more technical and precise design for a specific function.

developed to do

Focuses on the process of development with a specific goal.

fashioned to do

Emphasizes the skill or artistry in the design.

configured to do

Focuses on the arrangement and settings that enable the function.

programmed to do

Specifically related to software or automated systems.

set up to do

Implies preparation or arrangement for a specific task.

FAQs

How can I use "designed to do" in a sentence?

Use "designed to do" to explain the purpose or function of something. For example: "This tool is designed to improve efficiency" or "The curriculum is designed to enhance critical thinking skills".

What are some alternatives to "designed to do"?

You can use alternatives like "intended to do", "meant to do", or "created to do" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "designed to do" and "intended to do"?

While similar, "designed to do" emphasizes the planning and engineering aspects, whereas "intended to do" focuses more on the purpose or aim. Both are often interchangeable, but "designed" suggests more deliberate construction.

Which is correct: "designed for doing" or "designed to do"?

"Designed to do" is generally preferred when expressing the purpose of the design. "Designed for doing" is acceptable but less common and might imply a preparation for an activity rather than a specific function.