devise a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devise a list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the action of creating or formulating a list of items or ideas. Example: "To prepare for the meeting, please devise a list of the key points we need to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Research findings were used to devise a list of recommendations.

Cornell University

Before the meeting, devise a list of 8 10 questions and prioritize them, you might only get to a few.

Columbia University

The speaker of Parliament even suggested that the two sides sit down together to devise a list of acceptable candidates for the powerful body.

The New York Times

One effective way of creating an appropriate atmosphere is to ask the students themselves to devise a list of ground rules for discussion.

Yale University

Insurers could work with state attorneys general or other law enforcement experts to devise a list of risk-related features that underwriters should (or must) consider when setting rates.

The Washington Post

One idea for a new scale, Mr. Jarrell said, would be to devise a list of factors like rain and topography, among others, and create a model weighting each factor on a scale.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The court ordered a lower court to devise a listing system.

The New York Times

The sustainable transport charity Sustrans, has devised a list of art trails along the National Cycle Network that can be enjoyed on a self-guided trip.

Independent

In addition to standard international lists of prohibited weapons, the United States has devised a list of civilian items that could have military uses, like high-powered computers and transport vehicles able to carry equipment like tanks.

The New York Times

If reporters had secretly gathered early in 2011 and devised a list of G.O.P. contenders they wanted to cover, they never would have put together a group as colorful as what they eventually got.

The New Yorker

LA NUIT The chef, Sean Chudoba, has devised a list of tapas that segues into main dishes bolstered with Moroccan seasonings (cumin-dusted scallops, chicken with green olives and cinnamon).

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a list", ensure the context suggests careful thought or planning went into creating the list, as opposed to simply compiling one.

Common error

Avoid using "devise a list" in very casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "make a list" or "create a list" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devise a list" is as a verb phrase functioning as an action, often suggesting planning or careful consideration in creating the list. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase. It serves to indicate the intentional creation of an itemized collection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a list" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as indicated by Ludwig AI. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "make a list" or "create a list", it is appropriate when emphasizing the planning and thoughtful consideration that goes into creating a list. Its register is typically neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. Keep in mind that depending on the contexts different alternatives could be more appropriate. Ultimately you could "compile a list", "formulate a list", or "put together a list".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a list

This is a more direct and common synonym for "devise a list".

compile a list

This suggests gathering items from different sources to form a list.

formulate a list

This implies carefully planning and creating a list.

draw up a list

This suggests preparing a list, often in a more formal setting.

generate a list

This implies creating a list, often through a systematic or automated process.

put together a list

This suggests assembling a list from various elements or ideas.

develop a list

This implies creating a list over time, potentially refining it as you go.

establish a list

This implies creating a list with some authority or permanence.

arrange a list

Focuses more on the ordering and structuring of a pre-existing set of items.

make a list

The most basic and general alternative.

FAQs

What's the difference between "devise a list" and "make a list"?

"Devise a list" implies a more thoughtful and strategic approach to creating the list, suggesting planning and consideration. "Make a list" is more general and can refer to simply writing down items without significant deliberation.

When is it appropriate to use "devise a list"?

Use "devise a list" when you want to emphasize the planning and careful thought that went into creating the list, particularly in formal or professional settings. Consider using "create a list" if you want a neutral tone.

Are there synonyms for "devise a list" that are suitable for academic writing?

Yes, alternatives like "formulate a list", "compile a list", or "develop a list" can be suitable for academic writing, depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "devise a list" more formal than "create a list"?

Yes, "devise a list" tends to be slightly more formal than "create a list". The verb "devise" suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful process of creation.