devious creatures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devious creatures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe beings or entities that are deceitful or cunning in nature. Example: "In the dark forest, the devious creatures plotted their next move, always one step ahead of their unsuspecting prey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We are very devious creatures".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Devious cocktails?

The New York Times - Food

Just devious.

The New York Times - Style

How devious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Devious," he wrote.

The New York Times

The results can appear devious.

The Economist

Children are so devious".

The New York Times

"Cancers are devious beasts.

The New York Times

"He's not devious.

The New York Times - Sports

She was so, so devious.

The New York Times

Beatrice's plan is devious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devious creatures", consider the context. It implies not just cunning, but a morally questionable use of intelligence. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "devious creatures" when a simpler term like "clever animals" would suffice. "Devious" suggests a deliberate intent to deceive, which might be too strong for some situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devious creatures" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "devious" modifies "creatures". Ludwig indicates that it's a grammatically sound way to describe beings that exhibit cunning and deceitful behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devious creatures" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe beings that are cunning and deceitful. Ludwig confirms its validity and indicates that while not very common, it appears in reliable sources like news and media outlets. The phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting a morally questionable use of intelligence. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "cunning beings" or "scheming entities" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts where the intent is to objectively describe rather than express strong emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceitful beings

Directly states the act of deception, removing any ambiguity about their dishonest nature.

cunning beings

Emphasizes cleverness and skill in deception, shifting focus from moral judgment to intelligence.

sly individuals

Similar to cunning, but with a greater emphasis on stealth and secrecy.

untrustworthy individuals

Directly expresses the lack of reliability, suggesting a general absence of honesty.

scheming entities

Highlights the act of plotting and planning, suggesting a more deliberate and organized form of deception.

conniving individuals

Focuses on the manipulative nature of the creatures, suggesting they exploit situations for personal gain.

crafty entities

Suggests skill and ingenuity in deception, emphasizing the cleverness of their schemes.

treacherous entities

Highlights the element of betrayal and danger, suggesting the creatures cannot be trusted.

manipulative beings

Focuses on the ability to control others, highlighting their influence and power.

insidious creatures

Implies a gradual and subtle form of deception, suggesting their true nature is not immediately apparent.

FAQs

How can I use "devious creatures" in a sentence?

You can use "devious creatures" to describe beings that are cunning and deceitful. For example, "The forest was filled with "devious creatures" that plotted against unsuspecting travelers."

What's a good alternative to "devious creatures"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cunning beings", "scheming entities", or "sly individuals".

Is it appropriate to describe animals as "devious creatures"?

While technically correct if they exhibit cunning and deceitful behavior, consider if a less judgmental term like "clever animals" is more appropriate.

What is the connotation of "devious creatures"?

The phrase "devious creatures" carries a negative connotation, implying that the beings in question are not only clever but also dishonest and manipulative.