as a device of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a device of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves a particular function or purpose within a context, often in literary or analytical discussions. Example: "The author employs symbolism as a device of enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Suleiman's sublime directorial precision is especially significant as a device of exclusion.

The New Yorker

The human vocal instrument as a device of communication represents an apex of physical and intellectual evolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Godard, by contrast, treated 3-D as a device of independent filmmaking; he used simple equipment and homemade contrivances (and a crew of just three, including himself) to achieve the effect.

The New Yorker

The intellectual passion that Tanne builds into the scene, and that Sawyers delivers with nuanced fervor, is all the more striking and exquisite for its subtle positioning as a device of romantic seduction.

The New Yorker

The young woman escaped horrors in her native Guinea, a patriarchal society where rape is widespread and used as a device of war, a place where she would have been kicked to the curb if she tried to take on a powerful man.

The New York Times

The economic bit comes packaged as a kind of moral crusade, partially for German domestic consumption before an important state election in May, with hardworking folks pitted against southern European slackers, and Ms. Merkel promising to ban credit default swaps as a device of the "speculators" she said helped bring Greece to its knees.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Disappointed, Roosevelt chided the Court anyway, accusing it of using the Constitution "as a device for prevention of action" instead of an "instrument of progress".

Huffington Post

Every mid-latitude ionospheric station may serve as a device for measurements of index – "equivalent flux" of EUV.

Advances in Space Research

Plebiscites also have been used as a device for deciding the nationality of territories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As tablets have become more popular so has the importance of them as a device for connecting to the internet.

The Guardian

The characterization of a D-type FF as a device consisting of an embedded wire is also presented.

Microelectronics Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a device of" when you want to highlight a specific function or purpose that something serves within a larger system or context. For example, "Symbolism is often employed as a device of enhancing the narrative's emotional depth."

Common error

Avoid using "as a device of" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "as a means of" or "as a tool for" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a device of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying its role or function within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various sentences. It often introduces an explanation of how something is used or intended to be used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a device of" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify the function or purpose of something within a given context. It appears most frequently in scientific and news-related sources, indicating a formal register. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI suggests that it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly complex. Consider alternatives like "as a means of" or "as a tool for" in simpler contexts. Use "as a device of" to add precision and clarity when explaining a specific technique or mechanism. Remember, while the phrase is acceptable, simpler alternatives may improve readability in many cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an instrument of

Replaces 'device' with 'instrument', emphasizing a more formal and deliberate application.

as a means of

Substitutes 'device' with 'means', indicating a method or resource used to achieve something.

as a tool for

Replaces 'device' with 'tool', suggesting a practical and functional application.

functioning as

Focuses on the action or role something performs, rather than its inherent nature.

serving as

Highlights the purpose or service provided by something in a particular context.

used for

A more direct and simpler way of expressing the purpose of something.

employed as

Emphasizes the active use of something for a specific purpose.

acting as

Highlights the role or function that something fulfills.

in the capacity of

A more formal way of indicating the role or function something has.

working as

Suggests that something is actively performing a specific task or function.

FAQs

How can I use "as a device of" in a sentence?

Use "as a device of" to explain the function or purpose something serves. For instance, "Irony functions "as a device of" creating humor or highlighting the absurdity of a situation."

What are some alternatives to "as a device of"?

You can use alternatives like "as a means of", "as a tool for", or "serving as" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "as a device of" or "as a method of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "as a device of" is typically used when referring to a specific mechanism or technique, while "as a method of" is broader and can refer to any systematic procedure.

What is the difference between "as a device of" and "as an instrument of"?

"As a device of" implies a tool or technique used for a specific purpose, while "as an instrument of" suggests something more formal and deliberate. For example, propaganda might be used "as an instrument of" political control.