is not designed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not designed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not created or intended for a specific purpose or function. Example: "This software is not designed for use on mobile devices, so please access it from a desktop computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not designed to kill.

The Economist

But the program is not designed to play complete tunes.

The New York Times - Arts

Policy is not designed around people who don't vote.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The GMC hearing is not designed to address these matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our involvement is not designed to block research," he said.

The New York Times

Isis's cinematic flair is not designed merely to shock.

The Guardian

The human body is not designed for ballet.

The Guardian

The test is not designed to be failed.

The Guardian - Film

"The process is not designed to have people do this".

The New York Times

Truscott's nudity is not designed to be alluring.

The Guardian

This is not designed to belittle the cruelty of terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not designed", clearly state what the subject is designed for (if anything) to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is not designed" without specifying the intended purpose or alternative use. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Be specific about what the subject is not meant to do.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not designed" functions as a declarative statement to indicate that something lacks the necessary characteristics or purpose for a specific application. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not designed" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of intended purpose or suitability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. The phrase functions to clarify limitations and set expectations, and is best employed with a clear statement of what the subject is designed for, if anything. When writing, be mindful of potential overgeneralization and ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not intended

Focuses on the lack of intent behind the design.

is not meant to

Emphasizes the unsuitability or lack of purpose.

was not created for

Highlights the original purpose or lack thereof.

is not suitable for

Indicates inappropriateness for a specific use.

is not built for

Focuses on the lack of construction or engineering for a purpose.

is not geared toward

Suggests a misalignment or lack of focus.

is not optimized for

Highlights a lack of efficiency or performance for a task.

does not aim to

Emphasizes the absence of a specific goal or objective.

is not equipped for

Focuses on the lack of necessary tools or capabilities.

is not tailored for

Highlights the lack of customization for a particular need.

FAQs

How can I use "is not designed" in a sentence?

Use "is not designed" to clarify that something was not created or intended for a specific use. For example, "This software is not designed for mobile use."

What can I say instead of "is not designed"?

You can use alternatives like "is not intended", "is not meant to", or "is not suitable for" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is not designed" and "is not intended"?

"Is not designed" focuses on the creation or construction of something, while "is not intended" focuses on the purpose or aim. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance depends on the context.

Is "is not designed for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is not designed for" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something was not created with a particular purpose in mind. For example, "This tool is not designed for professional use."