we are designed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are designed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the intended purpose or function of a person, object, or system. Example: "As a team, we are designed to work collaboratively to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

We are designed to do it.

The Guardian - Tech

Or is it because we are designed to?

The New Yorker

In short, we are designed to store fat, and to keep it once we have it.

Independent

We are designed to move and as such must respect our genes or accept the consequences.

Independent

"We are designed to do what we do really well," they say.

The Economist

Researchers caution, however, that if we humans are congenitally inclined to drink, we are designed to do so only in moderation.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We are not just designing an army that will come down to 82,000 regulars and 30,000 reservists, we are designing to a cost.

The Guardian

Additionally, we have new products that we are designing to re-imagine our business.

Forbes

Wes was designed to look "hazy" and about 17 years old.

Wikipedia

We're designed to move.

The New York Times - Health

We were designed to be moving around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are designed to", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what performed the designing and the intended purpose or function.

Common error

Avoid using "we are designed to" when referring to outcomes that are merely accidental or coincidental. This phrase implies a deliberate purpose or function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are designed to" functions as a connector, introducing a purpose or intended function. It often precedes a verb, indicating the action or state for which something or someone is inherently suited. Ludwig shows that is commonly used to explain the natural or intended purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are designed to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that introduces a purpose or intended function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, with a neutral register. While alternatives like "we are meant to" or "we are intended to" exist, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with a deliberate purpose rather than accidental outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are meant to

Replaces "designed" with "meant", suggesting a preordained or intended purpose rather than engineered design.

we are intended to

Substitutes "designed" with "intended", focusing on the planned or purposed use.

we are built to

Uses "built" instead of "designed", emphasizing the inherent construction or structure that facilitates a certain function.

we are predisposed to

Implies a natural inclination or tendency towards something, changing the focus from design to inherent nature.

it is our nature to

Shifts the emphasis to inherent characteristics, suggesting that a behavior is part of our intrinsic being.

we have evolved to

Focuses on evolutionary adaptation as the reason for a particular function or behavior, implying a gradual development over time.

we are programmed to

Emphasizes an innate or pre-set behavior, often used in a more technical or metaphorical sense.

we are naturally inclined to

Highlights a natural tendency or preference, moving away from the idea of deliberate design.

we are created to

Suggests a creation with a specific purpose in mind, often implying a higher power or creator.

our purpose is to

Focuses directly on the intended function or goal, removing the design aspect altogether.

FAQs

What does "we are designed to" mean?

The phrase "we are designed to" indicates that there is an inherent purpose or function for which humans or systems are intended. It suggests an intentionality behind our nature or construction.

How can I use "we are designed to" in a sentence?

You can use "we are designed to" to describe an inherent ability or purpose. For example, "We are designed to adapt to changing environments."

What are some alternatives to "we are designed to"?

You can use alternatives like "we are meant to", "we are intended to", or "we are built to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we are designed to" in formal writing?

Yes, "we are designed to" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing the intended function or purpose of systems or biological traits. However, be mindful of overstating design intent where it may not be accurate.