devise a course of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devise a course of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the planning or creation of a strategy or plan of action. Example: "The committee was tasked to devise a course of action to address the community's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This weekend, the group is expected to reconvene to devise a course of action.

The New York Times

When his royal ministers cannot devise a course of action, Henry enlists the lower-class Cromwell.

Huffington Post

Psychiatrists conduct medical tests, prescribe medications and work with primary physicians and other psychotherapists to devise a course of treatment for their patients.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For the project we recruited our young ambassadors through youth centres in Liverpool and devised a course of workshops, again with Merseyside Police, where they discussed experiences of homophobia and learned how the police's specialist teams could offer help and support.

The Guardian

Programmers have devised a course of analysis that pays attention to the way we organize our sentences, the prominence and repetition of any given word, spelling and possible transposition and, of course, the keyboard layout that makes hitting the wrong key all too easy.

TechCrunch

She is a contributing author for legal textbooks on pregnancy, maternity and sex discrimination, and devised a course to help the reintegration of lawyers returning to work after parental leave.

The Guardian

They devised a course to help with applications, which included mock interviews.

The Guardian

Last yet not the least, the authors of this work have agreed to devise in a course of time a more advanced model on restraining HBV transmission through migration.

BioMed Research International

"We devised a course that encompassed all that incredible terrain," Ventura said.

The New York Times - Sports

In consultation with Mr. C. and the hospital's social workers, Rapoport and Rowley devised a successful course of treatment regular doses of buprenorphine, an opioid that lessens the effects of withdrawal, along with counselling sessions and weekly group meetings.

The New Yorker

According to a curious manuscript (whose publication he must oversee if he is to get anything from the estate), his father had devised, or perhaps rediscovered, a course of mental and physical training that allows the adept to move through the world unseen by anyone but a fellow adept.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a course of", ensure it is followed by a clear and specific goal. For example, "devise a course of action to reduce carbon emissions".

Common error

Avoid using "devise a course of" without specifying the area or problem the course addresses. Without context, the phrase lacks impact and practical value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a course of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the creation of a plan or strategy. It sets the stage for outlining a series of steps or actions to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devise a course of" is a grammatically sound and acceptable way to describe the act of creating a plan or strategy. Ludwig AI validates this, with usage seen across various contexts including news, scientific research, and general discussions. While not the most frequent phrase, it's suitable for expressing intention and thoughtful planning, especially when followed by a clearly defined objective. For alternatives, consider options like "develop a plan of action" or "formulate a strategy" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a plan of action

Focuses more on the actionable steps and less on the broader strategy.

formulate a strategy

Emphasizes the strategic aspect, potentially omitting immediate action.

create a blueprint

Suggests a detailed and structured plan, similar to an architectural drawing.

establish a procedure

Highlights a formal and systematic approach, often for recurring tasks.

construct a framework

Implies building a basic structure or system upon which to build.

craft a roadmap

Similar to a plan but emphasizes the journey and key milestones.

design a protocol

Implies a standardized and formal set of rules and procedures.

set up a system

Focuses on creating an organized and interconnected set of elements.

arrange a scheme

Often implies a secret or less than straightforward plan.

conceive a method

Stresses the intellectual effort involved in developing a particular way of doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "devise a course of" in a sentence?

You can use "devise a course of" to indicate the creation of a plan or strategy. For example: "The team needs to "devise a course of" action to improve customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "devise a course of"?

Alternatives include "develop a plan of action", "formulate a strategy", or "create a blueprint", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "devise a course of action" or "develop a course of action"?

Both "devise a course of action" and "develop a course of action" are acceptable. "Devise" emphasizes ingenuity and planning, while "develop" suggests gradual improvement and expansion. Choose based on the nuance you intend to convey.

What does it mean to "devise a course of" something?

To "devise a course of" something means to create or invent a plan, method, or strategy to achieve a particular aim. It implies careful thought and planning.