Devise a formula

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Devise a formula" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to create or develop a specific mathematical or logical formula for a particular purpose. Example: "In order to solve this problem, you need to devise a formula that accurately represents the relationship between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A judge would decide on its merits, and set damages or devise a formula for them.

The Economist

The UN's representative was "attempting to devise a formula... which will result in affirmation of Indonesian sovereignty".

The Guardian - Business

The Turks hope that the British, who hold the rotating EU presidency, will devise a formula acceptable to them (and to their public).

The Economist

The immigration authorities would devise a formula to issue visas for everyone in line over seven years, giving priority to those who waited longest.

The New York Times

In particular, the Lima meeting must devise a formula to make INDCs "clear, open and compatible" in order to hold countries accountable, says a European Union official.

The Economist

But his representatives are part of a core group of opposition parties that meet regularly in Baghdad to devise a formula for choosing a transitional national assembly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mr. Thompson said his agency was devising a formula to determine what each state would get.

The New York Times

The answer is Willie Randolph; the challenge is devising a formula to justify the answer.

The New York Times - Sports

But all EU countries have devised a formula to avoid causing too much offence to the Chinese, known as a "human rights dialogue".

The Guardian

AFTER Barry Bonds was told last week that a Harvard statistics professor had devised a formula that rated Bonds's amazing 2002 season as the best in baseball history, the San Francisco Giants slugger swatted the news away like another hanging slider.

The New York Times

The bank has used its database to look at companies that have already asked shareholders for cash, and thus devised a formula to identify common characteristics and forecast other candidates.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase "Devise a formula" can add a tone of strategic problem-solving to your writing. Use it when you want to emphasize a systematic approach to finding a solution.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language when explaining the need to "devise a formula". Explain in common terms why it's needed before diving into the intricacies to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Devise a formula" functions as a directive or an expression of intent to create or develop a specific method or equation, often in response to a particular problem or need. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Devise a formula" is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for instructing the creation of a mathematical or logical approach. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and signals a deliberate, strategic problem-solving approach. When using this phrase, ensure the purpose and application are clear, and avoid overcomplicating the explanation with jargon. Related phrases include "create a formula" and "develop a formula" which provide subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Create a formula

Focuses on the act of creation or invention.

Develop a formula

Implies a more gradual and iterative process of refinement.

Formulate a formula

Highlights the precise and structured nature of the process.

Establish a formula

Suggests the formalization or acceptance of a pre-existing formula.

Design a formula

Emphasizes the planning and intentionality behind its construction.

Work out a formula

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of finding a formula.

Figure out a formula

Implies discovery through reasoning and analysis.

Determine a formula

Highlights the process of finding or calculating a formula.

Find a formula

Suggests searching for and locating an existing formula.

Invent a formula

Emphasizes the originality and novelty of the resulting formula.

FAQs

How can I use "Devise a formula" in a sentence?

You can use "Devise a formula" when you want to emphasize a systematic approach to creating or developing a solution, especially in contexts related to science, mathematics, or problem-solving. For example, "Scientists are working to devise a formula for predicting climate change impacts."

What can I say instead of "Devise a formula"?

You can use alternatives like "create a formula", "develop a formula", or "formulate a formula" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "devise a formula" or "develop a formula"?

While both phrases are correct, "devise a formula" often implies a more initial stage of creation or invention, whereas "develop a formula" suggests a process of refinement and improvement upon an existing concept. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual process.

What's the difference between "devise a formula" and "discover a formula"?

"Devise a formula" implies creating something new, while "discover a formula" implies finding a formula that already exists but was previously unknown. Consider the context: are you inventing something new, or uncovering an existing relationship? If it's the latter you can consider something like "identify a formula".