they were designed

USAGE SUMMARY

'they were designed' is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was created with a specific purpose. Example: The robots were designed to perform tedious tasks such as sorting and organizing documents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were designed to conceal a past that their designers wanted to suppress.

Huffington Post

They were designed to exclude.

The New Yorker

They were designed for twiglets.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were designed to limit judicial discretion.

The Economist

And they were designed for hard work.

The New York Times

They were designed for different clients.

The New York Times

They were designed to reverse momentum".

The New York Times

That's what they were designed to do.

Harvard Business Review

Rather, they were designed as political safety valves.

Cornell University

They were designed by the Ulm Academy of Design.

The Guardian

But that's not necessarily why they were designed.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were designed" to clearly indicate the intended purpose or function of something. For example, "These tools were designed to improve efficiency."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "they were designed." While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider using active voice when appropriate: "Engineers designed the system..." instead of "The system was designed by engineers..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were designed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or set of items underwent a design process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, as demonstrated through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

16%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were designed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction. Ludwig AI validates its usability across diverse sources, primarily within news, academic and wiki contexts. It serves the purpose of indicating the intended function or specifications of something. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to avoiding overuse of passive voice in writing. Consider using active voice for better clarity and directness. Its prevalent use makes it a versatile choice for describing objects, systems, or processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were intended

Focuses on the intended purpose or goal behind the design.

they were conceived

Highlights the initial idea or concept behind the design.

they were engineered

Stresses the technical and precise nature of the design.

they were created

Emphasizes the act of creation rather than the specific design process.

they were tailored

Focuses on how a design was specifically adapted for a particular purpose.

they were fashioned

Suggests a more artistic or crafted approach to design.

they were developed

Emphasizes the process of gradual improvement and refinement.

they were adapted

Focuses on how a design was modified or adjusted.

they were built

Highlights the construction or manufacturing aspect.

they were made

A more general term for the process of bringing something into existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "they were designed" to explain the purpose or intention behind the creation of something. For example, "The buildings "they were designed" to withstand earthquakes."

What are some alternatives to saying "they were designed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were intended", "they were created", or "they were engineered", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a design?

While "they were designed" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using active voice (e.g., "designers created") can make your writing more direct and engaging.

What is the difference between "they were designed" and "they were intended"?

"They were designed" focuses on the process and specifications of the design, while "they were intended" emphasizes the purpose or goal the design was meant to achieve. They're often interchangeable but have subtle nuances.