is by design

USAGE SUMMARY

"is by design" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to explain that a certain outcome or product happened intentionally or deliberately. For example, "The application's layout is by design; it has been structured to make the user experience as efficient as possible".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is by design.

The New York Times - Sports

That is by design.

The New York Times

And that is by design.

The New York Times

The aimlessness is by design.

The New Yorker

The closed-door approach is by design.

The New York Times - Tech

Much of this is by design.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

That was by design.

The New York Times

This was by design.

The New York Times - Sports

That confusion was by design.

The New York Times - Sports

The similarities are by design.

The New York Times

This may be by design.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is by design" when you want to emphasize that a specific feature, characteristic, or outcome was intentionally created or planned, not accidental.

Common error

Avoid using "is by design" to subtly suggest that something is superior simply because it was intentionally created that way. Focus on explaining the purpose and benefits of the design instead of implying a value judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is by design" functions as a predicative expression, attributing a quality of intentionality or purposefulness to a subject. This grammatical role is supported by numerous Ludwig examples, where the phrase clarifies that a specific feature or outcome did not arise randomly but was intentionally planned. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is by design" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that something was intentionally planned or created. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a predicative expression that attributes intentionality to a subject. The phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and professional contexts, emphasizing that a particular feature or outcome was not accidental but rather the result of a deliberate choice. Alternatives like "is intentional" or "is deliberate" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the deliberate nature of something and to avoid implying superiority simply because something was intentionally created.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is intentional

Focuses directly on the intention behind something.

is deliberate

Emphasizes the careful and thoughtful nature of the action.

is on purpose

A more informal way of expressing intentionality.

is planned

Highlights the aspect of having been previously arranged.

is calculated

Implies a strategic and sometimes self-serving intention.

is predetermined

Suggests that the outcome was decided in advance.

is strategically implemented

Highlights a strategic approach to the implementation

is purposefully created

Emphasizes the objective of the action.

is not accidental

Negatively asserts the absence of chance or randomness.

is a conscious decision

Highlights the awareness involved in making the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "is by design" in a sentence?

You can use "is by design" to indicate that a particular feature or outcome was intentionally planned or created. For example, "The application's simplicity "is by design", aiming for ease of use".

What are some alternatives to "is by design"?

Some alternatives include "is intentional", "is deliberate", or "is on purpose". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say something "is by design"?

While it might seem obvious that design implies intention, using "is by design" can emphasize the deliberate nature of a feature or outcome, particularly when there might be an assumption of randomness or accident.

When is it appropriate to use "is by design" versus "was by design"?

"Is by design" is appropriate when referring to something that is currently in a designed state. "Was by design" is appropriate when referring to something whose design was intentional in the past. For example, "The current user interface "is by design" to increase efficiency," versus "The original layout "was by design" to be visually appealing.