Devise a means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Devise a means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest creating a method or strategy to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem. Example: "In order to improve our workflow, we need to devise a means to streamline communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A stage magician called Tommy Trent is travelling to the western front after being asked to devise a means of making allied aircraft invisible to the enemy.

The Guardian - Books

A stage magician called Tommy Trent is travelling to the western front after being asked to devise a means of making allied aircraft invisible to the enemy.

The Guardian - Books

That's not to say that there weren't fascinating concepts discussed, and ideas presented, like this paper from Alexander Franks and Andrew Miller, which attempts to devise a means for measuring individual defensive value.

The Guardian - Sport

The winning idea came not from an oil industry specialist but from a chemist, John Davis, who applied his expertise in the concrete industry to devise a means of keeping oil liquid as it is pumped.

Harvard Business Review

The FBI had repeatedly told a federal judge in California that only Apple could devise a means into that iPhone 5C before it was approached by an unnamed third party that could.

The Guardian - Tech

Bulk purchasing obviously reduces the amount of packaging and, according to Laura Kemp, who sits on Rainbow's ecology committee, their next green aim is to devise a means to reduce the need for those nasty little plastic bags used ' to parcel up fruit and veg for weighing: "There's an island in the Pacific the size of Texas made of those plastic bags".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Rehearsing to play God, he devised a means of synthesising probiotics to waft away vaginal odours.

The Guardian - Books

In the novel the opposition to Gen. Augusto Pinochet devises a means of winning the 1988 referendum on the dictatorship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither the Russians nor anyone else had devised a means of turning men into robots and there was "little threat, if any, to national security," the study said.

The New York Times

But it wasn't until my junior year at Columbia that I devised a means of spending more time there than any customer in its history.

The New Yorker

Foremost among them was a manufacturing question: while Sheridon had devised a means of fabricating the little balls, it did not yield uniform spheres; he found himself poking through the tiny globes, looking for good ones.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "devise a means" is generally appropriate; however, for less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "find a way" or "create a plan".

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when "devise a means" can be replaced with a simpler, more direct phrase. This improves readability and avoids unnecessary verbosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a means" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the intention to create or discover a method for achieving a specific objective. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

60%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a means" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing the intention to create a method for achieving a specific objective. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage frequency is uncommon, with higher prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When crafting your writing, remember to consider the formality of the context. For more casual settings, phrases like "find a way" might resonate better than "devise a means". By understanding these subtleties, you can wield language with precision and finesse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Develop a method

Focuses on the creation of a systematic approach, emphasizing development.

Create a strategy

Highlights the planning aspect, implying a deliberate and calculated approach.

Formulate a plan

Emphasizes the structured arrangement of steps or actions.

Design an approach

Focuses on the deliberate arrangement and planning of a method.

Establish a system

Implies setting up a structured set of procedures or processes.

Conceptualize a solution

Stresses the initial formation of an idea or plan to solve a problem.

Invent a way

Suggests originality and innovation in finding a solution.

Find a solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect, focusing on achieving a resolution.

Concoct a scheme

Implies devising something elaborate or intricate, sometimes with a hint of deception.

Pioneer a method

Emphasizes the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the approach.

FAQs

What does "devise a means" mean?

The phrase "devise a means" means to create or invent a method or plan for achieving a particular goal or solving a problem. It implies careful thought and planning.

What can I say instead of "devise a means"?

You can use alternatives like "develop a method", "create a strategy", or "formulate a plan" depending on the context.

Is "devise a means" formal or informal?

"Devise a means" is generally considered formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives such as "find a way" or "figure out how" might be more appropriate.

How to use "devise a means" in a sentence?

Example: "Scientists are working to devise a means of preventing the spread of the disease." Another example: "The company needs to devise a means to reduce its carbon footprint."