can be devised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be devised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential creation or formulation of a plan, idea, or solution. Example: "A new strategy can be devised to improve our marketing efforts and reach a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What formula can be devised to convert between the two systems?

The New York Times

CONS: It seems unlikely that a second bedroom can be devised.

The New York Times

Debt mutualisation can be devised to stop short of a permanent transfer union.

The Economist

Once the patient's mood has been stabilized, a long-term treatment strategy can be devised.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But other academics, including John Lamberth, an associate professor of psychology at Temple University, say appropriate benchmarks can be devised.

The New York Times

To secure these ends, granting judges tenure during good behavior was "the best expedient which can be devised," Hamilton observed.

The New York Times

The most exciting route can be devised, every opportunity provided, but the outcome can still be utterly predictable.

The Guardian - Sport

Plans can be devised to switch off kit at the right time to minimise the risk of damage.

The Guardian

Alternatively, a computer program can be devised that will explore the problem numerically in all its complexity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Annuities can be devised in any number of ways, including precisely duplicating the terms of a worker's pension.

The New York Times

From these, a Marian vespers service can be devised in a variety of ways, according to scholarship and tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be devised" when you want to emphasize the possibility of creating or developing a plan, method, or system. It's particularly useful when discussing solutions to problems or strategies for achieving goals.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "can be devised" leans towards formal language. In casual conversation or informal writing, simpler alternatives like "can be created" or "can be figured out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be devised" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of creating or formulating something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Examples show its use in suggesting strategies, plans, and solutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be devised" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that suggests the possibility of creating or formulating something, especially as a solution or strategy. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is acceptable for use in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register. Consider context when choosing between it and synonyms like "can be created" or "can be developed". Its strong presence in scientific and news sources underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be created

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence.

can be developed

Emphasizes a process of growth or advancement towards something more complex.

can be formulated

Suggests a more structured and systematic approach to creation.

can be designed

Highlights the planning and intentional arrangement of elements.

can be established

Implies setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

can be implemented

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

can be arranged

Highlights the organization and order of things.

can be produced

Focuses on generating or manufacturing something.

can be constructed

Implies building or assembling something from different parts.

can be fashioned

Suggests shaping or molding something, often with skill or ingenuity.

FAQs

How can I use "can be devised" in a sentence?

Use "can be devised" when discussing the potential creation or formulation of a plan, idea, or solution. For example, "A new strategy "can be devised" to improve our marketing efforts".

What can I say instead of "can be devised"?

You can use alternatives like "can be created", "can be developed", or "can be formulated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be devised" or "can be designed"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be devised" implies inventing or creating a solution, while "can be designed" suggests planning and structuring something.

What's the difference between "can be devised" and "can be invented"?

"Can be devised" is broader and can refer to creating plans, strategies, or systems. "Can be invented" typically refers to creating a new device, process, or product.