designing

USAGE SUMMARY

"designing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the action of creating something with a plan or concept. For example, "She enjoys designing her own clothes".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is also a part of Mulberry's success, designing its bestselling Giselle bag (named after the model) in 2002.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Berény, the leader of a pre-first world war avant garde movement called the Group of Eights, fled to Berlin in 1920 after designing recruitment posters for Hungary's short-lived communist revolution in 1919.

The Guardian

Retaining the data scientists they recruit requires designing career paths that meet their need for intellectual challenges and that give them appropriate recognition.

The Guardian

Speakers include architect, artist and Umbrellium founder Usman Haque on empowering people to transform their cities and technologist, designer and writer Tom Armitage on adapting existing city systems for smartness, and communications and change strategist Katz Kiely on designing digital solutions to city challenges.

The Guardian

In October, design practice Y/N studio caused a stir by designing a blueprint for a swimming lane along Regent's canal in London, so that people could swim to work.

The Guardian - Arts

The blessing of De la Renta, who this year marks his 50th anniversary designing clothes in New York, has given Galliano a foothold into a world from which his infamous antisemitic drunken rant in a Paris bar had cut him adrift.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

According to an analysis by a divinity professor and an education specialist known for designing courses on "traditional morality", the photographs showed an "immoral transgression incompatible with conducting educational functions".

The Guardian

Local developers are designing apps that address issues such as HIV, water and sanitation and education.

The Guardian

He said Britain was leading the world in designing zero-carbon buildings.

The Guardian

At a time when people are so disillusioned with politics, it's moving to realise that at heart, it's about caring for people and designing the kind of society that you want".

The Guardian - Film

Soon, GPs will be responsible for designing and paying for local health services, working with their colleagues across the NHS to get the best results for their patients.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using the gerund form emphasizes the action of designing, making it suitable for continuous or ongoing processes.

Common error

Avoid using "designing" as a noun when a more specific term like "design" or "blueprint" would be clearer. Instead of "The designing was innovative", try "The design was innovative".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "designing" is as a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form of the verb "design". Ludwig AI shows that it's used to describe an ongoing action or process, as seen in examples like "designing recruitment posters" or "designing digital solutions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "designing" functions primarily as a verb, specifically as a present participle or gerund, used to describe the process of creating or planning something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially within the News & Media. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse as a noun when "design" would be more appropriate. Related phrases like "creating", "planning", and "developing" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, each with slightly different nuances. The term maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating

Focuses more on the act of bringing something into existence, rather than the planning stage.

planning

Emphasizes the preparatory stage, often before any physical creation.

developing

Implies a gradual process of improvement and expansion.

formulating

Suggests a careful and systematic approach to creating a plan or strategy.

fashioning

Implies shaping or molding something, often with a creative or artistic touch.

inventing

Focuses on creating something entirely new and original.

constructing

Emphasizes the building or assembling of something, often physical.

engineering

Highlights the technical and scientific aspects of design.

crafting

Implies skill and attention to detail in creating something.

devising

Suggests ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating a plan or solution.

FAQs

How can I use "designing" in a sentence?

"Designing" is used to describe the process of creating something, like "She is "designing" a new website" or "He enjoys "designing" furniture".

What are some alternatives to "designing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "creating", "planning", or "developing" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the designing of the house"?

While grammatically correct, it's often more concise and impactful to say "the design of the house". Using "design" as a noun is generally preferred in this context.

What's the difference between "designing" and "planning"?

"Designing" typically involves a more detailed and creative process, while "planning" focuses on strategizing and organizing. You might plan a project before "designing" its specific components.