was by design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was by design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was intentionally created or planned in a specific way. Example: "The layout of the park was by design, ensuring that every area received ample sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That was by design.

The New York Times

This was by design.

The New York Times - Sports

That confusion was by design.

The New York Times - Sports

But that was by design.

The New York Times

Under apartheid, such inequality was by design.

The Economist

Part of this decline was by design.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is by design.

The New York Times - Sports

That is by design.

The New York Times

And that is by design.

The New York Times

The similarities are by design.

The New York Times

This may be by design.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was by design" to emphasize that a specific feature or outcome resulted from a conscious and deliberate decision.

Common error

Avoid using "was by design" when describing unintentional or accidental occurrences. This phrase specifically denotes intentional planning, and substituting it where it's inappropriate will be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was by design" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular outcome, feature, or characteristic was intentionally planned or created. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes intentionality and purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was by design" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something was intentionally planned or created, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it highlights deliberate actions rather than accidental occurrences. When using this expression, ensure it aligns with its intended meaning of intentional planning, distinguishing it from simple intentional actions. While alternatives like "was intentional" or "was deliberate" exist, "was by design" emphasizes a premeditated plan or strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was intentional

Replaces "by design" with a more direct synonym, focusing on intent.

was deliberate

Similar to "intentional" but suggests more careful consideration.

was planned

Highlights the aspect of having been part of a plan.

was purposeful

Emphasizes the existence of a specific purpose or aim.

was calculated

Implies careful planning, often with a specific outcome in mind.

was prearranged

Focuses on the prior arrangement or agreement.

was predetermined

Suggests that the outcome was decided in advance and not subject to change.

was strategically implemented

Highlights the strategic aspect of the design, implying a specific goal.

was consciously created

Focuses on the awareness and intention behind the creation.

was no accident

Indicates that something happened intentionally, not by chance.

FAQs

How to use "was by design" in a sentence?

Use "was by design" to indicate that something was intentionally planned or created with a specific purpose. For example, "The enhanced security features "were by design" to protect user data".

What can I say instead of "was by design"?

You can use alternatives like "was intentional", "was deliberate", or "was planned" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was by design" or "was of design"?

"Was by design" is the correct and idiomatic phrase to indicate that something was intentionally created. "Was of design" is not a standard or commonly used expression.

What's the difference between "was by design" and "occurred intentionally"?

"Was by design" specifically implies a plan or premeditation, while "occurred intentionally" simply suggests that an action was done on purpose without necessarily implying prior planning. While similar, "was by design" focuses on the planning phase.