Devise a response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Devise a response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to create or formulate a reply or answer to a question or situation. Example: "In light of the recent developments, please devise a response that addresses the concerns raised by the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Fallon took a loaded moment to devise a response.

The New York Times - Magazine

The report prompted widespread public concern; Mrs. Clinton asked administration officials to devise a response.

The New York Times

Once you have a bit of distance from the event, you can devise a response with more clarity.

WikiHow

For the government experts trying to devise a response, the risk is that their solutions may be judged inadequate to the scale of that challenge.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The school district spent the Thanksgiving weekend devising a response, and on Monday, officials brought in counselors as part of a student forum, said Daniel T. McCann, the schools superintendent.

The New York Times

When Patrick was accused of being all-words-and-no-action by his opponent in the 2006 gubernatorial election, Axelrod devised a response for him that involved poking fun of the charge by referencing great speeches of iconic American leaders--JFK, FDR, MLK.

Huffington Post

Since Katrina, representatives from the different governments met in committee to devise a national response scheme.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Long Island, efforts to devise a systematic response to immigrant worker issues, including building hiring halls, have had mixed results.

The New York Times

"The time for debate on this matter is over, and the time to devise a considered response to terrorism has arrived," the organization said in a statement.

The New York Times

Health and agriculture officials did not devise a concerted response to the virus until December, by which time it had spread to farms and markets throughout Hong Kong.

The New York Times

To devise a common response, administration officials began planning to meet with Asian leaders, and eventually with the central player in the diplomatic drama: China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a formal tone when using "devise a response", as it is generally suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "devise a response" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "think of an answer" or "reply" are more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a response" functions as a verb phrase, where "devise" is the verb indicating the action of creating or planning, and "a response" is the noun phrase representing the answer or reaction being formulated. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devise a response" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating the creation of a thoughtful or planned reply. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from diverse sources. Although not exceedingly common, it is frequently used in professional, news-related, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to reserve "devise a response" for scenarios where careful planning is involved, and consider alternatives like "formulate a reply" in more formal or structured settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formulate a response

Replaces "devise" with "formulate", emphasizing a structured and methodical approach to creating a response.

Craft a reply

Uses "craft" instead of "devise", suggesting a carefully constructed and articulate answer.

Develop a reaction

Substitutes "response" with "reaction", which can imply a more immediate or emotional answer.

Prepare an answer

Replaces "devise a response" with a more general term, implying readiness.

Concoct a rejoinder

Uses "concoct" and "rejoinder" which indicates a clever or witty response, often in debate.

Figure out a reply

Uses "figure out" indicating the response needs some thinking and problem-solving.

Come up with a solution

Replaces "response" with "solution", focusing on solving an issue

Create a plan of action

Shifts the focus to a strategic and actionable approach instead of simply a response.

Determine a course of action

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect of choosing how to act or respond.

Invent a comeback

Suggests a clever or witty retort, particularly in a confrontational situation.

FAQs

How can I use "devise a response" in a sentence?

You can use "devise a response" to indicate a thoughtful and planned reply. For example: "The committee needed time to devise a response to the accusations."

What's the difference between "devise a response" and "offer a rebuttal"?

"Devise a response" generally refers to creating any kind of reply, while "offer a rebuttal" specifically means to present an argument against a previous claim.

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

You can use alternatives like "formulate a reply", "develop a reaction", or "craft a reply" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "devise a response" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "devise a response" is more suited for formal settings. In casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "think of something to say" or "reply".