device in place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "device in place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular mechanism or system has been established and is currently operational. Example: "We have a security device in place to monitor all entrances to the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"There is a device in place that would indicate whether or not that is the case," Mr. Mandelson said.

The New York Times

In months, the heart lining would grow over it, leaving a smooth surface and holding the device in place.

The New York Times - Health

With the device in place, the researchers manoeuvred the vehicle to sever the chimney from its bed with a diamond-toothed chainsaw.

The Economist

The arms, which adjust for the Fire or Touch, hold the device in place, while the dock comes with a micro-USB port for charging.

The New York Times - Tech

Vehicles would be kept away from the route of the London Marathon making it difficult to put a sizeable explosive device in place.

Independent

The program was put in place by the board as a retention device, in place of equity awards given at other companies, to keep Mr. Grasso and other senior executives at the exchange.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Weren't fail-safe devices in place to guard against risk?

The New York Times

People in north Armagh began to speculate that there could be dozens of such listening devices in place, in the Lurgan area alone.

The Guardian

So far, there are only 40 of these devices in place at 19 airports nationwide in a domestic aviation system that has more than 2,200 checkpoint security lanes.

The New York Times

For this shot, photographer and professional climber Jimmy Chin spent two days creating a new route up the Kaga Pamari spire, then abseiled down, leaving the safety devices in place.

The Guardian - Travel

Adm. Thad W. Allen of the Coast Guard, the federal commander of the response to the disaster, said that the two devices in place at the well captured 23,291 barrels on Sunday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing security or safety measures, using "device in place" can succinctly convey that a protective mechanism is active and ready. For example, "There's a fire suppression device in place in case of emergencies."

Common error

Don't use "device in place" when a simpler verb would suffice. Instead of "The sensor device is in place", opt for "The sensor is installed" or "The sensor is active" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "device in place" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that a specific instrument or mechanism has been set up and is operational. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it highlights the state of readiness or existence of a tool or piece of equipment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "device in place" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a particular mechanism or system has been established and is currently operational. As validated by Ludwig, the phrase is often found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, as can be seen in various examples, and its authoritative sources include The New York Times and TechCrunch. While versatile, it is important to use more straightforward wording in simple descriptions. Remember to avoid overuse and to consider alternatives like "equipment installed" when appropriate. The key to mastering "device in place" is understanding its function in assuring the existence of a working tool or system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipment installed

Replaces 'device' with 'equipment' and uses 'installed' instead of 'in place', focusing on the action of setting up.

mechanism established

Substitutes 'device' with 'mechanism' and 'in place' with 'established', highlighting the creation of a functional system.

system operational

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise description of the system's status.

tool implemented

Substitutes 'device' with 'tool' and 'in place' with 'implemented', stressing the action of putting a tool to use.

instrument ready

Replaces 'device' with 'instrument' and 'in place' with 'ready', indicating preparedness.

apparatus available

Substitutes 'device' with 'apparatus' and 'in place' with 'available', emphasizing accessibility.

control set up

Replaces 'device' with 'control' and 'in place' with 'set up', focusing on establishing control.

implement positioned

Replaces 'device' with 'implement' and 'in place' with 'positioned', focusing on the physical location of the tool.

hardware configured

Substitutes 'device' with 'hardware' and 'in place' with 'configured', highlighting the setup of hardware.

machinery installed

Replaces 'device' with 'machinery', emphasizing the scale of the installed equipment.

FAQs

How can I use "device in place" in a sentence?

Use "device in place" to indicate that a particular mechanism or system has been established and is currently operational. For example, "A monitoring device is in place to track air quality."

What are some alternatives to "device in place"?

You can use alternatives like "equipment installed", "mechanism established", or "system operational" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "devices in place" or "device in place"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to one or multiple devices. Use "device in place" for a single item and "devices in place" for multiple items.

What is the difference between "system in place" and "device in place"?

"Device in place" refers to a specific tool or mechanism, while "system in place" refers to a broader set of procedures or infrastructure.