that was designed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was designed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been intentionally created or planned for a specific purpose in the past. Example: "The software application that was designed to improve user experience has received positive feedback from customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was radio that was designed for the listener.

The New York Times

First, PVs send electricity into a system that was designed to deliver it, not receive it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This was a very different movement that was designed to silence people, Kamiya said.

Cornell University

Our sensor box is a 3D-printed object that was designed in AutoCAD.

Cornell University

But Tony often makes reference to a handy pictorial that was designed by trans activists.

The New Yorker

They went into Electric Lady, the studio that was designed for Jimi Hendrix in New York.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The Vermeer that is designed to appeal to him.

The New York Times

Let's make wonderful parts that were designed for women".

The Guardian - Books

Cocoa works best in recipes that are designed for it.

The New York Times - Food

And one that's designed to be shared.

The Guardian - Tech

"You can't afford something that's designed for solar.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was designed" to clearly indicate that something was intentionally created with a specific purpose in mind. For example, "The study protocol that was designed to minimize bias yielded more reliable results."

Common error

When using "that was designed", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who or what did the designing. If the designer is unclear, rephrase to make the sentence more active and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was designed" functions as a relative clause, specifically a restrictive relative clause, providing essential information about the noun it modifies. It identifies which specific noun is being referred to by describing its design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was designed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase appears in a wide array of contexts, especially news and academic spheres, making it a versatile element in writing and communication. To improve your writing, ensure that the sentence clearly indicates the designer and purpose. By using "that was designed" effectively, you can precisely and clearly describe the intentional creation of a noun in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which was designed

Changes the connector word; more formal and fits some sentences better.

that had been designed

Emphasizes that the design occurred further in the past.

that was created

Uses a synonym for 'designed', focusing on the act of creation.

that was engineered

Suggests a more technical or precise design process.

that was planned

Highlights the intentionality and preparation behind the design.

that was intended

Focuses on the purpose or goal of the design.

that was built

Emphasizes the construction or manufacturing aspect of the design.

that was developed

Highlights a process of gradual improvement and refinement.

which had been intended

Expresses the intention from the planning.

custom-designed

Combines the phrase into a single adjective emphasizing tailored design.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that was designed" in a sentence?

Consider alternatives like "that was created", "that was engineered", or "that was intended" to add variety to your writing.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "that was designed"?

While "that was designed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "who designed that") can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The system that was designed to prevent war instead widened it", consider rewriting to "Countries designed the system to prevent war but it instead widened it."

What's the difference between "that was designed" and "that is designed"?

"That was designed" refers to something created or planned in the past. "That is designed" refers to something currently designed or intended for a purpose. For example, "The building that was designed in 1920 still stands" versus "The building that is designed to be energy-efficient is now under construction".

When should I use "that was designed" instead of "that was intended"?

Use "that was designed" when you want to emphasize the process of creation or planning. Use "that was intended" when you want to emphasize the purpose or goal. For example, “The game that was designed to entertain all people” vs “The game that was intended to make you think”.