devise a method

USAGE SUMMARY

'devise a method' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest the creation of a plan or strategy for achieving a particular goal. For example, "We need to devise a method for organizing our research data so that it can be easily accessed later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is necessary to devise a method to prevent similar cases in the future".

The Guardian

You determine in training camp what you have, and you devise a method for it.

The New Yorker

Working with Dr. Max Perutz and others, Dr. Blow helped devise a method with which X-rays could be passed through a crystallized sample of a given protein.

The New York Times

For he did devise a method for teaching an eight-year-old blind and deaf girl how to communicate with other people.

The New Yorker

What Mr. Doherty would like is for some genius to devise a method to compact garbage into containers at the city's pier-side waste transfer stations, converting now-closed sites so garbage could be shipped out by rail or barge.

The New York Times

In 2006, she founded a nonprofit called the Buoyant Foundation Project and began working with a group of architecture and engineering students to devise a method for retrofitting local homes with amphibious foundations.

The New Yorker

A good researcher would begin with an idea, devise a method to test the idea, run the study as planned, and then decide based on the evidence whether the idea had been supported.

The Guardian

Although the framers of the Constitution established a system for electing the president the electoral college they did not devise a method for nominating presidential candidates or even for choosing electors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not until 1795, however, did the French inventor Nicolas-Jacques Conté devise a method of producing pencil rods from mixtures of graphite and clays, a true prototype of the modern graphite pencil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He has devised a method of being a little less than totally available.

The New Yorker

So he devised a method that enabled him to retain even long sections of prose.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a method", clearly state the goal the method is intended to achieve. This provides context and clarifies the purpose of the method.

Common error

Avoid using "devise a method" without specifying the key steps or principles of the method. Readers need to understand how the method works to appreciate its value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a method" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in suggesting the creation of a plan or strategy. It usually requires an object specifying what the method is for.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a method" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the creation of a plan or strategy to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across different contexts. It is used in neutral to formal registers. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate the objective of the method to enhance clarity and provide context. Alternative phrases like "formulate a plan" or "create a strategy" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a plan

Focuses on creating a structured plan, emphasizing the planning aspect more than the method itself.

create a strategy

Highlights the strategic thinking involved, suggesting a broader, more long-term approach.

develop an approach

Emphasizes the process of gradual development and refinement, suggesting a more flexible approach.

establish a system

Implies a more formalized and organized way of doing something, often involving rules and procedures.

contrive a solution

Suggests a clever or inventive way to overcome a problem or difficulty.

invent a technique

Focuses on creating a new and innovative way of doing something, often involving specialized skills or knowledge.

design a process

Emphasizes the intentional and structured design of a sequence of actions to achieve a specific outcome.

originate a scheme

Suggests a creative and potentially unconventional plan, often with a specific goal in mind.

pioneer a procedure

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the method, suggesting it's the first of its kind.

conceive a mechanism

Focuses on the conceptualization and creation of a specific mechanism to achieve a certain outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "devise a method" in a sentence?

You can use "devise a method" to describe the process of creating a plan or strategy to achieve a specific goal. For example, "The team needed to "devise a method" for reducing project costs."

What are some alternatives to "devise a method"?

Some alternatives include "formulate a plan", "create a strategy", or "develop an approach", depending on the context.

Is "devise a method" formal or informal?

"Devise a method" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "establish a system" might be preferable in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "devise a method" and "create a solution"?

"Devise a method" refers to creating a process or approach, while "create a solution" focuses on resolving a specific problem. A method might be part of a broader solution, but the terms are not interchangeable.