it works as designed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it works as designed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is functioning according to its intended specifications or purpose. Example: "After testing the software, I can confirm that it works as designed without any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Now, even when it works as designed, it's a virtual nightmare — and, occasionally, an actual one.

The New York Times - Tech

Together with another pair of spacecraft to be lofted next year, they will validate the entire Galileo system, proving that it works as designed.

BBC

If it works as designed, it will go a long way toward opening up the clubby Wall Street system to ordinary investors.

Forbes

If it works as designed (since we don't have the details yet), this will rein in some of the worst abuses of the system as it stands today.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The mission length is listed as 11 days, but managers plan to extend it to 14 days if a new system that allows the shuttle to plug into the space station's power system works as designed.

The New York Times

And so they did, from about 15,000 feet, as their explosive ejection seats worked as designed.

The New York Times

Mr Chun said the workers wear protective clothing and that an air monitor worked as designed.

The Guardian

There are questions about whether the efficiency efforts will work as designed.

The New York Times

"Today's announcement starts a testing process, which will demonstrate whether the proposed fix will work as designed".

The New York Times

As he aims the quarter-million-dollar convertible toward a small turnout some distance ahead, I'm hoping the carbon-ceramic brakes will work as designed.

The New York Times

Dr. Balkus said the next step would be to put the nanoparticles into cells and see if they work as designed.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it works as designed" when you want to emphasize that a system, process, or device is functioning according to its original specifications and intentions. This is especially useful in technical or engineering contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it works as designed" in overly simplistic situations where more common language would suffice. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear to a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it works as designed" functions as an affirmative statement, confirming that a system, process, or product is performing according to its intended specifications. As seen in Ludwig, this assertion is frequently employed across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it works as designed" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate that something is functioning according to its intended purpose, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it finds frequent use in technical and professional contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. Alternatives such as "it functions as intended" or "it operates as planned" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in overly simplistic situations. All in all, "it works as designed" is a valuable phrase to have in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functions as intended

Replaces "works" with "functions" and "designed" with "intended", emphasizing the functionality and purpose.

it operates as planned

Substitutes "works" with "operates" and "designed" with "planned", focusing on the operational aspect and pre-defined plan.

it performs as expected

Changes "works" to "performs" and "designed" to "expected", highlighting the performance and anticipated outcome.

it runs as engineered

Replaces "works" with "runs" and "designed" with "engineered", stressing the execution and engineering specifications.

it behaves as programmed

Substitutes "works" with "behaves" and "designed" with "programmed", emphasizing the behavior and programmed instructions.

it delivers as specified

Changes "works" to "delivers" and "designed" to "specified", highlighting the delivery and specifications.

it achieves its purpose

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise statement focusing on the accomplishment of the intended goal.

it fulfills its function

Similar to achieving its purpose but emphasizes the fulfillment of a specific function.

it meets the requirements

Focuses on meeting established requirements rather than the design aspect.

it is up to standard

Indicates that something is working correctly because it is up to the defined standard.

FAQs

How can I use "it works as designed" in a sentence?

You can use "it works as designed" to indicate that a system or product is functioning according to its specifications. For instance: "The new security system "it works as designed", providing complete protection.".

What does "it works as designed" mean?

"It works as designed" means something is functioning according to its intended purpose or specifications. It implies that the design goals have been successfully achieved.

Are there any alternatives to "it works as designed"?

Yes, alternatives include "it functions as intended", "it operates as planned", or "it performs as expected". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it works as designed"?

It's appropriate in technical reports, engineering documentation, or any situation where you need to confirm that something is operating according to its planned specifications.