originally designed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally designed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that was created or made in its original form or purpose. Example: The house was originally designed as a single-family residence, but it has since been converted into a multi-unit apartment building. In this sentence, "originally designed" is used to indicate the original purpose or function of the house, which has now been changed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As originally designed (c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The house, as originally designed, had problems.

The New York Times

It was originally designed for touch devices.

MIT Technology Review

Originally designed molecules showed poor water solubility.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

The vast gardens were originally designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

The New York Times - Magazine

The machines were originally designed for office bldgs, factories, etc.

The New Yorker

Bluetooth was originally designed to eliminate cable clutter.

The New York Times - Tech

The programme was originally designed to prepare Bangladesh for earthquakes.

The Guardian

Hedge funds were originally designed to offset risk.

The Guardian - Business

Tiananmen Square was originally designed and built in 1651.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Palm Drive as originally designed was never built," she said.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "originally designed" to clearly indicate the initial purpose or form of something, especially when it has changed or evolved over time. For example, "The app was "originally designed" for mobile use, but now has a desktop version."

Common error

Avoid using "originally designed" when referring to minor modifications or updates. The phrase implies a fundamental aspect of the initial creation, not slight adjustments. For instance, don't say "The software was "originally designed" with a new color scheme"; instead, say "The software was updated with a new color scheme".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally designed" functions as a past participle phrase acting as an adjective. It modifies a noun by describing its initial design or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "originally designed" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the initial intent or plan behind something's creation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common phrase found across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "originally designed", ensure it reflects a significant aspect of the initial design rather than minor modifications. For situations where the initial intent needs a different nuance, consider alternatives like "initially intended" or "first planned".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originally intended

Highlights the original purpose or function that was envisioned for something.

initially conceived

Focuses on the mental creation or idea behind the design, rather than the physical execution.

first planned

Emphasizes the planning stage of the design process, highlighting the initial intentions.

as first built

Focuses specifically on the physical construction and initial form of something.

in its original form

Emphasizes the state or condition of something at the time of its creation.

at the outset

Highlights what the initial design was.

from the beginning

Describes the initial design from the start.

by design

Highlights that it was designed and planned.

in its inception

Describe the design at its beginning.

early blueprint

Stresses the point in time where something was designed.

FAQs

How can I use "originally designed" in a sentence?

You can use "originally designed" to specify the initial intent or configuration of something before modifications or changes were made. For instance, "The building, "originally designed" as a library, now houses a community center".

What's a good alternative to "originally designed"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "initially intended", "first planned", or "as first built". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the initial creation.

Is it correct to say 'the "originally designed" purpose'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It emphasizes that you are referring to the initial purpose as it was conceived in the original design. You could also say 'the originally intended purpose' or 'the initial design purpose'.

What is the difference between "originally designed" and "custom designed"?

"Originally designed" refers to the initial plan or intent behind a creation, while "custom designed" implies that something was specifically tailored to meet particular individual needs or specifications. Custom designs are created to be unique and specific from the outset.