ability to devise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to devise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skill or capacity to create, formulate, or invent something. Example: "Her ability to devise innovative solutions to complex problems is highly valued in our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The ability to devise new manufacturing processes is lost, and with it, the ability to devise new products.

The Washington Post

So was the ability to devise elegant stratagems to legitimize sexual display.

The New York Times - Arts

Focusing outward can improve their ability to devise strategy, innovate, and manage organizations.

Harvard Business Review

Companies will compete not in products and services but in the ability to devise ideas for innovative businesses.

The New York Times

Second, you must grow an ability to devise solutions for the system problems that data and experience uncover.

The New Yorker

To convey information, a stable system might seem most efficient, and surely not beyond nature's ability to devise.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The survey reflected a lack of confidence in governments' abilities to devise effective solutions to complex problems.

The Guardian

Most importantly, the city has proven its ability to quickly devise and implement a coordinated public health strategy, proving that political will mixed with civic collaboration can achieve remarkable results.

The Guardian

Offering insight from a longtime movement organizer and scholar, Ganz illustrates how they had the ability and resourcefulness to devise good strategy and turn short-term advantages into long-term gains.

Harvard University

You surely have the ability to get the N.S.A. to devise an entry code that would bar free riders.

The New York Times

Technical challenges posed by the thoracic aorta have resulted in a significant time-lag (since release of abdominal aortic aneurysm endografts), testing the ability of engineers and physicians to devise and complete trials successful enough for FDA approval of thoracic endografts.

Seminars in Vascular Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ability to devise" when you want to highlight someone's capacity to come up with strategies, plans, or solutions, particularly in complex or challenging situations. For example, "Her "ability to devise" creative marketing campaigns set her apart."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to devise" for simple or routine tasks. Instead, reserve it for situations where genuine creativity and strategic thinking are involved. For example, it's better to say "He has the skill to organize his desk" rather than "He has the "ability to devise" a system for organizing his desk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to devise" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or skill to create, invent, or formulate something, as evidenced by Ludwig examples that show it used to describe a desired skill or a characteristic that contributes to success.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to devise" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression denoting the capacity to create, plan, or formulate strategies and solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, while avoiding its overuse in simple or routine situations. Consider alternatives like "capacity to formulate" or "skill in developing" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "ability to devise" into your writing to convey expertise and competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to formulate

Focuses on the mental capability to create a detailed plan or strategy.

skill in developing

Emphasizes the proficiency in creating and elaborating on something.

aptitude for creating

Highlights a natural talent or inclination towards inventive processes.

talent for conceiving

Stresses the imaginative aspect of forming new ideas or concepts.

knack for inventing

Suggests an inherent ease and cleverness in devising new things.

power to generate

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness in producing new solutions.

resourcefulness in planning

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties in creating a plan.

adroitness in crafting

Focuses on skill and dexterity in carefully creating or shaping something.

potential for engineering

Emphasizes the latent capability to design and build complex systems.

facility in originating

Suggests ease and competence in initiating or bringing something into being.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to devise" to describe someone's capacity to create plans, strategies, or solutions. For instance, "The company values employees with the "ability to devise" innovative solutions to complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "ability to devise"?

Alternatives include "capacity to formulate", "skill in developing", or "aptitude for creating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to devise" or "ability to create"?

While both are correct, "ability to devise" implies a more strategic and planned approach, whereas "ability to create" is broader and encompasses more general forms of innovation. Use "ability to devise" when the context involves problem-solving or strategic planning.

What's the difference between "ability to devise" and "ability to implement"?

"Ability to devise" refers to the skill of creating or planning something, while "ability to implement" refers to the skill of executing or putting a plan into action. One focuses on the conceptual stage, and the other on the practical stage.