with evil designs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with evil designs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has malicious intentions or plans that are harmful or deceitful. Example: "The villain approached the hero with evil designs, plotting to take over the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In considering strategies to prevent individuals with evil designs from misusing access to select agents, the board studied Personnel Reliability Programs in effect within the biological labs at the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and other organizations.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hadn't we driven a stake through the conviction that everyone who disagrees with us is motivated by evil designs?

The New York Times - Magazine

Pakistan's government issued a statement pledging full cooperation with China against the East Turkestan group and expressing confidence that China would "succeed in frustrating evil designs of the terrorists, extremists and separatists".

The New York Times

In fact, the gravamen of the offense consists in the evil design with which the misapplication is made, and a count which should omit the words 'willfully,' etc., and 'with intent to defraud,' would be clearly bad.

Cornell University

Such measures may be a necessary evil, designed to protect the delicate fruit from being squashed.

The Washington Post

Lionel Hutz was designed by Mark Kirkland, who gave him an evil design, but was asked to make him more "bland looking".

Wikipedia

The rotting funhouse infested with evil clowns will be designed by a Montreal-based scenic shop that has worked on Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia shows.

Los Angeles Times

Also, analysts are mostly confronted with the computer systems infected with evil programs (for example, malware and ransomware) that are designed to remain hidden whilst running and erase the traces of their executions.

Computers & Security

Despite Orwell's misgivings, at Nuremberg our civilization designed a vehicle to anathemize men imbued with evil.

The New York Times

He says "at Nuremberg our civilisation designed a vehicle to anathemise men imbued with evil".He is not alone in reflecting on the trials' significance.

The Economist

He really struggles with evil".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with evil designs", ensure the context clearly establishes the presence of malicious intent or harmful planning. This phrase is most effective when describing deliberate and calculated actions.

Common error

Avoid using "with evil designs" in informal or lighthearted situations. The phrase carries a strong connotation of malevolence and is better suited for serious or dramatic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with evil designs" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It describes the manner in which an action is carried out or the state of someone's intentions. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with evil designs" effectively conveys malicious intent and calculated planning. Although Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, its relatively low frequency suggests it is less common than alternatives like "with malicious intent" or "with sinister motives". Predominantly found in science, news media, and academic contexts, it adds a layer of formality and emphasis to descriptions of deliberate harm. When crafting your narrative, remember that this potent phrase is best suited to dramatic and serious contexts, enhancing the impact of malevolent intentions in storytelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with malicious intent

Replaces "evil designs" with a more direct and common expression of harmful intent.

with sinister motives

Substitutes "evil designs" with a focus on the underlying reasons for harmful actions, suggesting a hidden agenda.

plotting nefarious schemes

Emphasizes the act of planning and the wicked nature of the schemes.

harboring malevolent intentions

Highlights the internal nature of the evil, suggesting a deep-seated ill will.

contriving wicked plans

Focuses on the inventive and immoral aspect of the planning.

planning malevolent actions

Replaces designs with actions, focusing on the harmful activities.

scheming with ill intentions

Uses "scheming" to imply a deceitful and secretive planning process.

crafting devious strategies

Emphasizes the clever and dishonest nature of the planning.

pursuing treacherous goals

Shifts the focus to the dangerous and deceitful aims being pursued.

devising harmful plots

Highlights the inventive and damaging nature of the secret plans.

FAQs

What does "with evil designs" mean?

The phrase "with evil designs" describes someone who is planning or intending to do something harmful or malicious. It suggests a deliberate and malevolent intent.

What are some alternatives to "with evil designs"?

You can use alternatives like "with malicious intent", "with sinister motives", or "plotting nefarious schemes" depending on the context.

Is "with evil designs" a common phrase?

No, "with evil designs" is not a particularly common phrase. While grammatically correct, it is less frequently used than alternatives like "with malicious intent".

In what context is it appropriate to use "with evil designs"?

It is appropriate to use "with evil designs" in contexts where you want to emphasize the deliberate and malicious nature of someone's plans or intentions. This phrase is often found in more formal or dramatic writing.