grand design

USAGE SUMMARY

"granddaughter design" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a design created by a granddaughter, such as a painting, clothing design, or a drawing. For example, "The grandmother proudly displayed her granddaughter's design on the refrigerator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An interior designer and agent of artist-made furniture, she founded the firm Grand Design.

The New York Times

It's not a grand design.

The Guardian - Books

Good Design, if not Grand Design.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Phelps's career has followed a similar grand design.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Grand Design" is packed with grating yuks.

The New York Times - Books

All the while he nurtured a grand design.

The New York Times

Is there a grand design to the cosmos?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This odd arrangement did not occur by grand design.

The New York Times - Health

That was the beginning of his grand design.

Nature

This is the preferred model for grand design spirals.

Cornell University

Likewise his attachment to old stories — love, death, the grand design.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grand design" when referring to a large-scale, ambitious plan or scheme, especially one that aims to achieve significant and lasting results. Ensure the context aligns with the connotation of ambition and comprehensive planning.

Common error

Avoid using "grand design" in contexts where a simpler, less ambitious plan is more appropriate. Using it too often can make your writing sound pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grand design" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It typically describes a comprehensive and ambitious plan or scheme. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grand design" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting a comprehensive and ambitious plan. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "master plan" or "strategic blueprint" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

master plan

Focuses on the planning aspect, emphasizing a detailed and strategic approach.

grand strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect, similar to "grand design" but placing stronger emphasis on the execution.

comprehensive scheme

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the plan, suggesting thoroughness.

ambitious project

Emphasizes the scale and difficulty of the undertaking.

strategic blueprint

Implies a detailed and structured plan with a long-term vision.

systematic approach

Highlights the ordered and methodical nature of the plan.

holistic strategy

Suggests an approach that considers all aspects and interconnections.

overall vision

Focuses on the broad goals and aspirations that guide the plan.

global strategy

Indicates a plan that encompasses a wide scope, often with international implications.

overarching plan

Highlights that the plan is the main and most important one.

FAQs

How can I use "grand design" in a sentence?

You can use "grand design" to describe a comprehensive plan, for example: "The architect's vision was part of a "grand design" to revitalize the entire city".

What are some alternatives to "grand design"?

Some alternatives to "grand design" include "master plan", "comprehensive scheme", or "strategic blueprint". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grand design" in formal writing?

Yes, "grand design" is appropriate for formal writing when referring to significant, ambitious projects or strategies. However, ensure the tone of your writing aligns with the formality of the context.

What is the difference between "grand design" and "big plan"?

While both phrases refer to a plan, "grand design" implies a higher level of ambition, complexity, and scope than "big plan". "Grand design" suggests a comprehensive and transformative vision.