devise a course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

"devise a course of action" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you need to come up with a plan or strategy to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem. Example: After careful consideration, the team was able to devise a course of action to increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Maulana Yousaf Shah, the coordinator of a committee representing the Taliban, said members of his team would meet in Islamabad, the capital, on Monday 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

Working with your physician, a geneticist can help devise a course of action that could counteract the influence of renegade genes.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

and recommend a course of action.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unless poetry counts as a course of action.

The New York Times

They will decide on a course of action soon.

The New York Times

That knowledge helps him choose a course of action.

The New York Times

Only then can it set a course of action.

The New York Times

Then focus the discussion on a course of action.

Harvard Business Review

Status quo: continuing a course of action because of tradition.

City, Territory and Architecture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a course of action", ensure the context clearly indicates the problem or goal you're addressing. This provides clarity and purpose to the plan being developed.

Common error

Avoid creating overly complex plans when you "devise a course of action". Simplicity and adaptability are key to successful implementation. A plan that is too intricate may be difficult to execute effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a course of action" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence, describing the act of creating or formulating a strategy. The Ludwig AI indicates that is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a course of action" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the creation of a plan or strategy, as confirmed by Ludwig. Though relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Related phrases, such as "develop a strategy" or "formulate a plan", offer similar ways to express the concept. When using the phrase, focusing on clarity and simplicity in the plan helps ensure its effective implementation. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's practical usage in professional and problem-solving scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a strategy

Replaces "devise a course of action" with a focus on strategy development.

formulate a plan

Focuses on the creation of a structured plan instead of a general course of action.

create a plan of action

Emphasizes creating a practical plan for taking action.

establish a plan

Highlights the act of establishing or setting up the plan.

determine a strategy

Focuses on determining or deciding on a particular strategy.

craft a solution

Emphasizes a more creative and thoughtful approach to finding a solution.

design a process

Suggests a more detailed and methodical approach to designing a process.

map out a plan

Focuses on the detailed mapping or outlining of a plan.

construct a strategy

Highlights the deliberate building or construction of a strategy.

conceive a solution

Implies a more imaginative or inventive approach to creating a solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "devise a course of action" to describe the process of creating a strategy or plan to address a specific problem or achieve a goal. For example: "After analyzing the market data, the team needed to devise a course of action to increase sales."

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

Alternatives include "develop a strategy", "formulate a plan", or "create a plan of action". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "devise a plan of action" the same as "devise a course of action"?

While similar, "devise a plan of action" emphasizes the specific steps or actions involved, while "devise a course of action" is a broader term that can include strategic thinking and overall approach.

When is it appropriate to use "devise a course of action" in professional writing?

It is appropriate in situations where strategic planning and problem-solving are discussed. Using the phrase illustrates a proactive approach and commitment to finding effective solutions, such as when creating a business proposal.