they designed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they designed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the purpose or intended audience of a design or product. Example: "The architects created a building that they designed for families, ensuring ample space and safety features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Were they designed for falconry or strangling?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Model cars are no longer just toys, nor are they designed for children.

The New York Times

Together they designed, for Su's parents, Marcus and Rene Brumwell, a house at Creek Vean.

The Guardian - Arts

Nauman's and Rothenberg's studios are in separate buildings behind the functional one-story house they designed for themselves.

The New Yorker

Though the couple's idealism was obvious, they assiduously researched the habits of the people they designed for.

The Guardian - Arts

Remarkably, the architects have won approval from that arch-traditionalist, the Prince of Wales, who admires the music school (2001) they designed for Shrewsbury School.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They looked like they were designed for a lighthouse keeper on some wild Cornish coast.

The New York Times

And they are good but they were designed for the cold war".

The New York Times

"They were designed for snow, so they weren't water-repellent.

The New York Times - Style

They are designed for overcrowding before they dig the first foundations; that to us is ridiculous.

The Guardian

Since they are designed for particular applications, they have limitation in applying.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they designed for", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to and who or what the design is intended for. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they designed for" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they designed for" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "designed" is the verb and "for" introduces the object or purpose of the design. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in contexts related to intended users or specific applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they designed for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the intended purpose or recipient of a design or creation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity in pronoun reference is crucial. Alternatives like "they created for" or "they intended for" can offer nuanced expressions. In conclusion, "they designed for" effectively communicates the target or purpose behind a design, making it a valuable addition to one's writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they created for

Focuses on the act of creation with a specific recipient or purpose in mind, rather than the planning stage.

they intended for

Emphasizes the intention behind the design, highlighting the desired outcome or user experience.

they tailored for

Highlights the customization aspect of the design to fit specific needs or preferences.

they made for

A more general term indicating suitability or purpose, less specific about the design process.

they developed for

Emphasizes the development process with a target audience or purpose as the goal.

they built for

Highlights the construction aspect of the design, emphasizing the tangible result.

they purposed for

Emphasizes the intended function or role of the design.

they conceived for

Focuses on the initial idea or concept behind the design, highlighting its origin.

they engineered for

Highlights the technical aspects of design to meet specific requirements.

they adapted for

Implies modifying an existing design to better suit a particular need or context.

FAQs

How can I use "they designed for" in a sentence?

You can use "they designed for" to indicate the intended purpose or target group of a particular design. For example, "The architects created a building that "they designed for" families, ensuring ample space and safety features."

What are some alternatives to "they designed for"?

You can use alternatives such as "they created for", "they intended for", or "they tailored for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they designed it for" instead of "they designed for"?

Yes, "they designed it for" is also grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the object of the design. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "they designed for" and "they designed it to"?

"They designed for" indicates the intended recipient or user group, while "they designed it to" specifies the intended function or purpose. For example, "They designed for children" versus "they designed it to be easy to use".