I devise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I devise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are creating, planning, or inventing something. Example: "I devise a new strategy to improve our marketing efforts every quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

If I were devising this system, would I devise it this way?

The New York Times

I devise and teach courses in the UK aimed both at undergraduate and postgraduate students and I understand how MOOCs can considerably advance student performance.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I was absolutely sure of one thing: The childhood I devise for my two young daughters will look nothing like mine.

The New York Times

I envision the piece (be it an installation or a pure sound work) as an environment onto itself, a terrarium inhabited with artificial life, whose relationships I devise.

Cornell University

Can I devise an iterative approach that moves towards the goal, spreads the costs and - along the way - achieves money and energy savings?

The Guardian

I devise bucket lists of my own every January, and I decided to encourage my students to do the same for our first Mindful Monday of the new year.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

MA-N, HA and CP-I devised the method and designed the study.

BMC Biotechnology

So I devised a test.

The New Yorker

I devised a strategy to dodge that maw.

The New York Times

Despite all protests from my friends, I devised my experiment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I devised a little scene which he does excellently".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I devise" when you want to emphasize your personal role in creating a plan, system, or method. It adds a touch of intentionality and ingenuity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I devise" in everyday conversation or casual writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "I create" or "I plan" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I devise" functions as a declarative statement, where the subject "I" performs the action of "devise". It is used to express the act of creating or planning something, emphasizing the speaker's role in the process, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I devise" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the act of creating, planning, or inventing something. While confirmed as correct by Ludwig, it is considered uncommon in everyday language and more suited to formal contexts such as academic papers, news articles, or professional communications. As Ludwig examples show, this expression can be substituted by alternatives like "I create" or "I formulate", depending on the intended level of formality and specific nuances you want to convey. When writing, carefully consider the register of "I devise" to ensure it aligns with your intended audience and the overall tone of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I create

Simple substitution of "devise" with its direct synonym "create".

I formulate

"Formulate" implies a more systematic and methodological approach to creation.

I invent

"Invent" suggests originating something entirely new.

I design

"Design" focuses on planning and structuring something, especially with a specific purpose.

I construct

"Construct" implies building or assembling something, often from different parts.

I originate

"Originate" indicates being the initial source or cause of something.

I conceive

"Conceive" suggests forming an idea or plan in the mind.

I develop

"Develop" indicates a process of growth and improvement over time.

I craft

"Craft" implies skill and artistry in creating something.

I establish

"Establish" means to set up or create something on a firm or permanent basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "I devise" when you are talking about creating or inventing something, like "I devise a new strategy to solve this problem".

What can I say instead of "I devise"?

You can use alternatives like "I create", "I formulate", or "I design" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "I devise" in formal writing?

Yes, "I devise" is suitable for formal writing when you want to highlight your role in the creation or planning of something. However, consider your audience and the overall tone to avoid sounding overly formal.

What's the difference between "I devise" and "I plan"?

"I plan" is more general and refers to making arrangements for something. "I devise" suggests a more creative and inventive process, indicating that you're developing a novel method or approach.