is designed around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is designed around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to emphasize that something has been put together in a careful and intentional way. For example, "The new company logo is designed around the idea of solidarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That means Pingpad is designed around groups, rather than, say, shared documents.

TechCrunch

"This team is designed around the home run," Swisher said.

The New York Times - Sports

BotW is designed around edge cases at a fundamental level.

The Guardian - Tech

The rest of the facility is designed around the pumps.

Pumping Station Design

But Facebook Home is designed around a very specific group of people: Facebook users.

The New Yorker

White Plains is in a huge economic boom, but the whole city is designed around shopping.

The New York Times

My home is designed around how I live, rather than trying to live how I design.

The New York Times

Like the F1, the MP4-12C is designed around the premise that high performance depends on low weight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Offices are designed around tea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

*... unless it's designed around data.

The Guardian

It's designed around empathy and openness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is designed around", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies both the subject being designed and the central element or concept it revolves around. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is designed around" when the subject or the central element is not clearly defined. For example, instead of saying "The system is designed around innovation", specify what aspect of the system promotes innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is designed around" functions as a passive construction indicating the core element or principle that dictates the structure or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes intentional and careful construction. It highlights what is central to a plan or design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is designed around" is a versatile and frequently used construction to emphasize the core element or principle that guides the structure or function of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and academic texts, reflecting its broad utility across various registers. To ensure clarity, specify the subject being designed and the central element it revolves around. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "is centered on" or "revolves around" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is centered on

Focuses on the core element, emphasizing centrality.

is built upon

Highlights the foundational aspect of the design.

is structured around

Emphasizes the framework and organization of the design.

revolves around

Indicates that everything is oriented towards a central point.

is predicated on

Highlights the fundamental assumption or basis of the design.

is oriented toward

Suggests a specific direction or goal for the design.

is focused on

Emphasizes a clear and deliberate concentration on a particular aspect.

is based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point for the design.

is themed around

Highlights the concept or motif that influences the design.

is modeled after

Suggests the design is inspired or copied from a specific example.

FAQs

How can I use "is designed around" in a sentence?

Use "is designed around" to indicate the core element or concept that shapes the structure or function of something. For instance, "The curriculum "is designed around" student-centered learning".

What are some alternatives to "is designed around"?

You can use phrases such as "is centered on", "is built upon", or "revolves around" to express similar meanings.

Which is correct: "is designed around" or "is designed with"?

"Is designed around" emphasizes the central element influencing the design, while "is designed with" simply means something is included in the design. They have different meanings and are not interchangeable.

What does it mean when something "is designed around" a specific principle?

It means that the principle is a core consideration influencing every aspect of the design, from its structure to its function. It's not just included but is fundamental.