attempted to devise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempted to devise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an effort to create or formulate something, often in a context of planning or problem-solving. Example: "The team attempted to devise a new strategy to improve sales performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

We attempted to devise an algorithm that can optimally handle any number of floors.

Cornell University

Since time immemorial, scientists have attempted to devise methods of detecting falsehoods.

Harvard University

The field of public finance has since attempted to devise such criteria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This work attempted to devise an Arabic version of the 9-point hedonic scale.

Food Quality and Preference

Though Kepler attempted to devise a new method of computing astrological influences in the heliocentric (Sun-centred) universe, he did not succeed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Various psychoanalysts, namely; Freud, Breuer, Jung, Klein, and Ferenczi attempted to devise a type of cloth to protect their couches from the stains their patients' heads left.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Banks are now attempting to devise ways of avoiding the cap.

The Guardian - Business

The UN's representative was "attempting to devise a formula... which will result in affirmation of Indonesian sovereignty".

The Guardian - Business

This study attempts to devise a foreign natural gas import scheme for China by constructing a mathematical programming model.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

Their Secure Digital Music Initiative is attempting to devise foolproof protection against Internet music piracy, which even some members of the initiative concede is an impossible goal.

The New York Times - Arts

In attempting to devise an alphabetic system with which to transliterate Chinese, Mr. Zhou was continuing an orthographic tradition that went back at least to the 16th century.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing when using "attempted to devise". While generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "endeavored to formulate".

Common error

Avoid using "attempted to devise" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "tried to make" or "tried to figure out" are more appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempted to devise" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of trying to create or invent something. It describes an effort made, as Ludwig shows, across diverse fields like science, technology, and social strategy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

Academia

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempted to devise" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of trying to create or formulate something. Ludwig's analysis confirms it is most commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, reflecting a formal tone. While versatile, consider synonyms for informal settings to maintain appropriate register. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried to create

Focuses more on the action of trying rather than the planning or inventive aspect.

sought to develop

Emphasizes the seeking or aiming towards development.

endeavored to formulate

More formal and emphasizes the effort involved in the formulation.

aimed to construct

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the attempt to build something.

undertook to design

Focuses on the undertaking and the design process.

experimented with creating

Stresses the experimental nature of the creation process.

worked on inventing

Highlights the labor involved in the invention process.

set out to produce

Emphasizes the initial intention and the goal of production.

sought to bring about

Highlights the pursuit and the intention to cause or achieve.

looked to originate

Focuses on the investigation of finding or creating something original.

FAQs

What does "attempted to devise" mean?

The phrase "attempted to devise" means someone tried to create or formulate a plan, method, or invention. It suggests an effort was made, but doesn't necessarily indicate success.

What are some alternatives to "attempted to devise"?

You can use alternatives like "tried to create", "sought to develop", or "endeavored to formulate" depending on the context.

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

You can use "attempted to devise" to describe an effort to create something: "The engineers "attempted to devise" a new engine." Or: "Scientists "attempted to devise" a cure for the disease."

Is "attempted to devise" formal or informal?

The phrase "attempted to devise" is generally considered formal. For more informal contexts, consider using phrases like "tried to come up with" or "tried to make".