designed to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "designed to work" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing the purpose or functionality of an object, system, or process. For example, "The software is designed to work seamlessly across multiple platforms." Alternative expressions include "intended to function," "meant to operate," and "crafted to perform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is designed to work with Facebook.

The New York Times

SunBrite TVs are designed to work outside.

The New York Times - Tech

Both are designed to work with a longitudinal engine.

The New York Times

Our website is designed to work in all situations.

The Guardian

Current DVD players are not designed to work with Linux.

The New York Times - Tech

They were designed to work in an ensemble piece.

The Guardian - Books

So everything is designed to work for any age".

Independent

This is how the system is designed to work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Compromise is the way government is designed to work.

The New York Times

"My body is simply not designed to work like that.

The New York Times

It is also deeply practical: winter clothing designed to work with the elements, not the mirror.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intended compatibility of a product, be specific about what it is "designed to work" with. For example, "This adapter is designed to work with USB-C ports" is clearer than "This adapter is designed to work."

Common error

Avoid stating that something is simply "designed to work" without specifying the context or parameters. Provide details about the intended use, conditions, or systems it's meant to interact with to make the statement more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designed to work" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing the intended functionality or purpose of a subject. It indicates the planning and intention behind the creation or modification of something to achieve a specific outcome, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "designed to work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that explains the intended function or capability of an object, system, or process. According to Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts, notably in news articles, scientific literature, and formal business communications. While versatile, clear guidelines suggest specifying the operational parameters for enhanced clarity. Alternative expressions, such as "engineered for performance", offer nuanced options contingent on the intended emphasis. The numerous examples available through Ludwig, confirm its widespread applicability in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for operation

Focuses on the intended function or operation, similar to "designed to work" but more formal.

meant for functionality

Highlights the planned function or capability; subtly emphasizes purpose over the design process.

created for effectiveness

Emphasizes creation and resulting effectiveness, shifting focus from design to outcome.

engineered for performance

Suggests precise engineering and a focus on achieving specific performance standards.

developed for utility

Stresses the development process and the resulting practical utility of something.

optimized for efficiency

Highlights optimization efforts to maximize efficiency in operation, implying a higher level of refinement.

constructed for usability

Emphasizes the process of building or assembling with a focus on ease of use.

tailored for application

Implies a customized adaptation to fit a particular use case or application.

set up to function

Focuses on the preparatory actions taken to ensure proper functioning. Less formal.

configured for operation

Highlights the setup and arrangement needed to ensure that something works as intended. Highlights a technical setup.

FAQs

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

You can use "designed to work" to describe the intended function or compatibility of something. For example, "This software is designed to work seamlessly with existing systems."

What are some alternatives to "designed to work"?

Alternatives include "intended for operation", "meant for functionality", or "engineered for performance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is "designed to work"?

It means that the object, system, or process was intentionally created or modified to perform a specific function or operate in a particular way. The design anticipates certain conditions and aims for effective performance within those parameters.

Is there a difference between saying something is "designed to work" and "intended to work"?

While similar, "designed to work" emphasizes the planning and creation process, while "intended to work" focuses on the purpose or goal. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the design itself or its intended outcome.