could be devised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could 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 could be devised to improve our marketing efforts and reach a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It ordered the case back to the district court so a plan could be devised.

The New York Times

Many fascinating puzzles arise from these coloured squares and cubes; many more could be devised.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The luminous columns shining into the heavens surely transcend any constructed memorial that could be devised.

The New York Times

Even if a risk-free card could be devised, civil libertarians would probably fight it.

The New York Times

It would be as likely as any that could be devised to produce an Executive Magistrate of distinguished Character.

The New Yorker

Still, before a new red line could be devised, NBC showed the replay with the old red line several times.

The New York Times - Sports

More likely, a revised plan that more closely addresses shareholder concerns could be devised, these people said.

The New York Times

Mr. Stevenson called for labels on all meat imports warning that the product might come from a cloned animal if no procedure could be devised to test it.

The New York Times

An American delegation is planning to hold talks in Moscow next week, and Mr. Astakhov said he was optimistic that new rules could be devised.

The New York Times

Because its dogmatic elements of sociability are constructed, and will vary across countries, it stands to reason that they could be devised poorly or incoherently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was a cumbersome system, however, and it was not until 1600 that efficient methods of scene changing could be devised.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be devised" when suggesting that a plan, method, or solution is possible to create, especially if it requires thought or ingenuity. For example, "A better system for managing inventory could be devised to reduce waste."

Common error

While "could be devised" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal contexts. Alternatives like "could be developed" or "could be formulated" may sound more sophisticated depending on your writing goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be devised" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a potential or possible action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase suggests that something is capable of being created or invented. This construction is commonly used to express hypothetical or future possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be devised" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the potential for creating or inventing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and general knowledge. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing contexts. While "could be devised" is a common and acceptable phrase, writers should be aware of subtle alternatives like "could be developed" or "could be designed" that might offer a more nuanced expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "could be devised" into their work to convey the possibility of innovation and creation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

could be developed

Focuses on the gradual growth and advancement of an idea or plan.

might be devised

Uses 'might' to indicate a slightly lower probability.

could be designed

Highlights the intentional planning and structuring involved.

can be devised

Uses 'can' to indicate possibility or ability.

may be devised

Uses 'may' to suggest possibility or permission.

could be formulated

Suggests a more systematic and precise approach to creation.

could be conceived

Emphasizes the initial formation of an idea.

could be implemented

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

could be established

Implies setting up or founding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be devised" to suggest that a plan, system, or method is capable of being created or invented. For instance, "A new strategy "could be devised" to address the issue."

What phrases are similar to "could be devised"?

Similar phrases include "could be created", "could be developed", or "could be designed", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is "could be devised" formal or informal?

"Could be devised" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. However, in very formal contexts, consider using phrases like "could be formulated".

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

"Could be devised" suggests a hypothetical possibility or potential, while "can be devised" implies a more definite ability or feasibility. For example, "A solution "could be devised" if we had more resources," versus "A solution "can be devised" with our current tools."