I was devising plans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was devising plans" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a past action of creating or formulating strategies or ideas. Example: "Last week, I was devising plans for our upcoming project to ensure everything runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The authority said it was devising plans to protect itself against storms as powerful as a Category 2 hurricane, adding that officials would study whether it was possible to protect against Category 3 or Category 4 storms.

The New York Times

Doug Herzog, the president of the USA Network, said he was devising plans to give USA a stronger identity.

The New York Times

But still, some people dream of beaches and are devising plans to create them.

The New York Times

Committees in the ministry are devising plans to tear down the walls within Japan's financial system.

The Economist

As The Economist went to press, its prospects were uncertain, and NASA engineers were devising plans to try to get the failed reaction wheels working again.

The Economist

While Equity Residential and AvalonBay were devising plans to carve up Archstone over the last year, Lehman Holdings, the owner of Archstone, was also pursuing an alternative strategy to take the company public.

The New York Times

"We are devising plans to help those who leave, but also those who stay".

BBC

In response to that criticism, the companies are devising plans to prepare for and hopefully offset what many consider to be a rapidly approaching transit crisis.

Vice

GLENDALE — From Glendale to La Crescenta and across to the San Gabriel Valley, eight high school football coaches from the Pacific League are devising plans to make their respective way to the top of the Pacific League.

Los Angeles Times

As much as I admit I'm terrified by the crazy lines at the mall, I'm devising my plan of attack for returning and exchanging certain gifts -- and impulse buys I bought for myself while gift-shopping!

Huffington Post

One thing Mansharamani didn't want to do was devise grand plans for the company while holed up in her office.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was devising plans" to clearly indicate a past action of strategically preparing for future events or projects. It emphasizes the process of thinking through and creating a detailed approach.

Common error

Avoid replacing "I was devising plans" with overly complicated alternatives that obscure the meaning. Clarity and directness are often more effective in conveying your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was devising plans" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past continuous action. It describes someone actively in the process of creating or formulating strategies or ideas. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was devising plans" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes a past, ongoing action of creating strategies or blueprints. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's considered correct and appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. While not extremely common, it's a clear and effective way to communicate the process of strategizing. Related phrases offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis, allowing for nuanced expression. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and avoid replacing it with overly complicated vocabulary that obscures your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was formulating strategies

Focuses more on the strategic aspect and less on the detailed planning.

I was mapping out strategies

Emphasizes the visual aspect of planning and strategy.

I was developing courses of action

Emphasizes the process of creating multiple possible strategies to address a situation.

I was creating blueprints

Implies creating a detailed visual or structural plan.

I was preparing roadmaps

Focuses on creating a strategic plan that outlines a path to achieve a specific goal.

I was laying out schemes

Suggests a more elaborate and potentially complex plan, sometimes with a negative connotation.

I was drafting proposals

Highlights the creation of formal suggestions or offers.

I was setting up projects

Highlights the initiation and organization of new ventures.

I was sketching out ideas

Implies a preliminary and less detailed stage of planning.

I was arranging logistics

Focuses on the practical details of coordinating resources and activities.

FAQs

How can I use "I was devising plans" in a sentence?

You can use "I was devising plans" to describe the process of creating strategies or blueprints for future actions. For example, "Last week, "I was devising plans" to improve our team's efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "I was devising plans"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I was formulating strategies", "I was creating blueprints", or "I was mapping out strategies", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am devising plans" instead of "I was devising plans"?

Yes, both are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "I am devising plans" indicates you are currently in the process of creating plans, while "I was devising plans" indicates that you were creating plans at some point in the past.

What is the difference between "devising plans" and "implementing plans"?

"Devising plans" refers to the process of creating or formulating plans, while "implementing plans" refers to the process of putting those plans into action. One comes before the other.