was designed for

USAGE SUMMARY

"was designed for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something was created or intended for a specific purpose or function. Example: The new car model was designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for commuters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything was designed for it.

The New York Times

But the bullpen was designed for that".

The New York Times - Sports

It was designed for Sufi prayers.

The New Yorker

The BlackBerry was designed for businesses.

The New Yorker

The paper was designed for continual turnover.

The New Yorker

"Every surface was designed for that setup".

The New York Times - Arts

This, he felt, was designed for him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Disney Hall was designed for them.

The New York Times - Arts

"This space was designed for celebration".

The New York Times

It was designed for short distances.

The New York Times

It was designed for a different age".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was designed for", clearly state the intended purpose to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The tool was designed for efficiency", specify "The tool was designed for increasing efficiency in data processing".

Common error

Avoid using "was designed for" as a generic statement. Instead, elaborate on the specific features or aspects of the design that contribute to its intended purpose. For example, rather than just stating "The app was designed for communication", explain "The app was designed for seamless communication through encrypted messaging and file sharing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was designed for" functions as a passive construction indicating the purpose or intention behind the design of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It is often followed by a noun or gerund phrase specifying the intended use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

21%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was designed for" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to express the intended purpose or function of something. As Ludwig AI states, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. Its purpose is to provide clarity regarding the reasons behind a particular design. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its usage can become more formal depending on the source. When using "was designed for", it's important to clearly state the intended purpose to avoid ambiguity and to elaborate on specific features that contribute to that purpose. Alternatives like "was intended for", "was created for", and "was built for" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was intended for

Focus shifts to the intention behind the design, rather than the design process itself.

was created for

Highlights the act of creation with a specific purpose in mind.

was built for

Emphasizes the construction aspect and its intended use.

was made for

A more general term indicating suitability or purpose.

was purposed for

Focuses on the defined purpose or function from the outset.

was tailored for

Indicates a specific adaptation or modification to suit a particular need.

was optimized for

Highlights the improvements or adjustments made to achieve the best performance for a specific use.

was conceived for

Focuses on the initial idea or concept that led to the design.

was fashioned for

Implies a degree of artistry or skill in the design process, tailored to a specific end.

was geared towards

Indicates that the design was directed or aligned to meet specific objectives.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was designed for" is used to indicate the intended purpose or function of something. For example, "This software was designed for data analysis" or "The building was designed for energy efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "was designed for"?

You can use alternatives like "was intended for", "was created for", or "was built for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "was designed for" or "is designed for"?

"Was designed for" implies a past action, indicating the design process occurred in the past. "Is designed for" indicates a current state or ongoing suitability. Choose the tense that best reflects the context.

What is the difference between "was designed for" and "was made for"?

"Was designed for" often implies a more deliberate and specific design process, whereas "was made for" can be more general. For example, "The tool was designed for precision cutting" suggests careful planning, while "The tool was made for general use" suggests broader applicability.