devise

USAGE SUMMARY

'devise' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to mean to invent or contrive a plan or scheme for a specific purpose or goal. For example: "My team has devised a plan to increase sales by 20% in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barclays' chief executive, Antony Jenkins, was under renewed pressure on Tuesday night to devise a clear strategy for Barclays after its investment banking division reported an almost 50% fall in profits in the first three months of the year.

The Guardian - Business

"I also hope that politicians of all parties develop a better understanding of alcoholism, take it more seriously and devise policies to treat it as a disease on a par with the other major diseases.

The Guardian

Mr Heath tried to devise a pay policy which would be generally acceptable, but was particularly geared towards the National Union of Mineworkers, then a massive power within the union movement.

The Guardian

Even British Eurosceptics, who love to fantasise about leaving the EU altogether, hardly ever contemplate the practicalities of disengagement from "Europe" (Lord Wolfson's call to devise plans for dismantling the eurozone is a rare exception).

The Guardian - Opinion

While Barclays will continue to offer straightforward tax planning to customers, it will pledge to no longer devise schemes purely intended for this purpose.

The Guardian - Business

The people of Scotland are to be offered a historic opportunity to devise a federal future for their country before next year's general election, it emerged on Saturday night, as a shock new poll gave the campaign for independence a narrow lead for the first time.

The Guardian

If this means that the debt-to-GDP ratio will be higher than 120% in 2020, we devise smart ways to rationalise, re-profile, or restructure the debt – keeping in mind the aim of maximising the effective present value that will be returned to Greece's creditors.

The Guardian - Business

Perhaps this world will watch how every player completes the authored missions, and will use this practical information to devise new plotlines that feel human and dramatic.

The Guardian - Tech

In the words of a former Soviet military intelligence officer, Boris Volodarsky, the current job of the Kamera – originally set up by Stalin in 1921 – is to devise "poisonous biological and chemical agents" that will kill or incapacitate their victims in such a way as to make the "death or illness appear natural, or at least to produce symptoms that will baffle doctors and forensic investigators".

The Guardian

Related: Myleene Klass offers an etiquette lesson in gift-giving This brutal exposure to the modern culture of gift-giving left me resentfully trying to devise ways to undermine it, a project in which I entirely failed.

The Guardian - Opinion

They curate major arts projects, devise cultural strategies, broker cultural partnerships and deliver art projects from inception to completion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of detail required for the plan. "Devise" can range from high-level strategies to detailed schemes.

Common error

Avoid making the plan overly intricate or difficult to implement. A well-devised plan should be clear, concise, and actionable.

Linguistic Context

Devise functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of creating or inventing a plan, system, or method. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests using one's intellect to plan or design something. Examples in the data show it used in contexts ranging from business strategies to political policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "devise" is a versatile verb used to describe the creation or invention of plans, strategies, or methods. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, highlighting its function of using one's intellect to plan. Its frequent usage across news, business, and scientific contexts indicates its broad applicability. When employing "devise", clarity in defining the goal is paramount, ensuring the plan is actionable and not overly complicated. Common alternatives include "formulate a plan", "create a strategy", and "develop a scheme", offering nuanced ways to express the act of planning. Ultimately, "devise" is a reliable choice for conveying thoughtful and intentional planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a plan

Emphasizes the structured and systematic creation of a plan.

create a strategy

Focuses on developing a high-level approach to achieve a specific goal.

develop a scheme

Suggests a more detailed and potentially intricate plan.

work out a solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of creating a plan.

contrive a method

Implies ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating a method.

conceive an idea

Focuses on the initial generation of an idea or concept.

invent a system

Emphasizes the creation of a structured and organized system.

design an approach

Highlights the planned and intentional nature of the approach.

establish a framework

Focuses on creating a basic structure or foundation.

originate a process

Suggests the creation of a new or innovative process.

FAQs

How can I use "devise" in a sentence?

You can use "devise" to describe the act of creating a plan or strategy, as in "The team worked hard to devise a solution to the problem."

What are some alternatives to using "devise"?

Alternatives include "formulate a plan", "create a strategy", or "develop a scheme", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "devise" and "design"?

"Devise" typically refers to creating a plan or method, while "design" often involves creating a visual representation or structure. Both can be used to create something new, but they focus on different aspects. You can "design an approach".

When is it appropriate to use "devise" in professional writing?

"Devise" is suitable for professional writing when discussing the creation of strategies, plans, or solutions. It suggests a thoughtful and intentional process.