devise a program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devise a program" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the creation or planning of a specific program, often in a technical or organizational context. Example: "The team was tasked to devise a program that would improve efficiency in the workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The board was scrambling to find a replacement for Mr. Mortier and devise a program.

The New York Times - Arts

New York State is requiring all counties to devise a program combining jobs and education.

The New York Times

Page and Brin often say that their ideal is to devise a program that provides a single perfect answer.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, the commission would devise a program detailing how the election process could be modernized, Mr. Schumer said.

The New York Times

You might wonder, for example, what place or location names appear in American literary texts published in 1851, and you devise a program that will tell you.

The New York Times

Philip Reeker, a spokesman for the State Department, said officials had worked with the city since May to devise a program similar to one in Washington.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

You would think that devising a program for this occasion would be easy.

The New York Times - Arts

In 2005, Congress devised a program meant to ensure that this transition would be smooth.

The New York Times

To help them, the bank has devised a program and applied for a patent to safeguard it.

The New York Times

A researcher has devised a program that spews out conjectures in a field of mathematics known as graph theory.

The New York Times

Carlos Kalmar, a Uruguayan conductor of Austrian descent, who has been leading the Oregon since 2003, devised a program titled "Music for a Time of War".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a program", ensure the context clearly indicates the program's goals and intended outcomes. Specificity enhances clarity and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "devise a program" when the intended action is simply a general idea or suggestion. This phrase implies a detailed and structured plan, not just a vague concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a program" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of creating or developing a structured plan or system. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to indicate planning and strategizing in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devise a program" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the act of creating or developing a structured plan, strategy, or system. Predominantly found in news, academic, and professional contexts, its usage indicates a formal and intentional approach to planning. While synonyms like "develop a plan" or "create a system" exist, "devise a program" specifically implies ingenuity and a detailed execution strategy. Therefore, it's most effective when the program's goals and outcomes are well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a plan

Focuses more on the planning aspect rather than the detailed execution of a program.

create a system

Implies a more structured and potentially automated approach.

formulate a strategy

Highlights the strategic thinking involved in creating a program.

establish a protocol

Suggests a formal set of procedures or rules.

design a project

Emphasizes the practical aspects of designing and implementing a specific project.

construct a framework

Implies building a foundational structure for something.

originate an initiative

Focuses on the act of starting something new.

conceive a method

Highlights the intellectual process of developing a method.

shape a curriculum

Specifically refers to developing an educational course or program.

engineer a solution

Implies a technical and problem-solving approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "devise a program" when you're talking about creating or developing a structured plan or system. For example, "The committee was tasked with devising a program to improve student retention."

What are some alternatives to "devise a program"?

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

Is it better to say "devise a program" or "develop a program"?

Both "devise a program" and "develop a program" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey; "devise" suggests more ingenuity, while "develop" implies gradual improvement.

What's the difference between "devise a program" and "implement a program"?

"Devise a program" refers to the act of creating and planning a program, while "implement a program" refers to putting that plan into action and executing it.