devise an alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devise an alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting the creation of a different option or solution to a problem or situation. Example: "In light of the recent changes, we need to devise an alternative that meets our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

And there is little hope that Congress could devise an alternative to the law anytime soon.

The New York Times - Health

In the face of government intransigence over reforms, they have decided to devise an "alternative" white paper.

The Guardian

Mr. Wrighton leads a committee of college presidents that hopes to devise an alternative measure of academic success.

The New York Times

The Magliozzis, for their part, announced a competition among listeners to devise an alternative use for the lids.

The New Yorker

Stanford biomedical data scientist Dennis Wall, PhD, is working to devise an alternative to current diagnostic tests.

Stanford University

Ms. Pullen said that the store would try to devise an alternative to Google before the program ends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Dragon Rouge has devised an alternative: the Primark subscriber.

The Guardian

So I devised an alternative solution that we implemented in Spring 2007.

University of California, Berkeley

Canada was devising an alternative route around the Nebraska Sandhills, a sensitive habitat.

The Washington Post

So Bank of America has devised an alternative: taking Athens to the families.

The New York Times

But it is not fail-safe.BAE Systems, a British defence firm, is devising an alternative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise an alternative", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the original plan or method is, and why an alternative is needed. This provides clarity and strengthens the justification for seeking a different approach.

Common error

While "devise an alternative" is suitable for many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "formulate", "engineer", or "establish" might be more appropriate to convey the specific action being taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise an alternative" functions as a directive, indicating an action to create or invent a different option or solution. It implies problem-solving and strategic thinking. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's usable in written English for suggesting the creation of a different option.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise an alternative" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that suggests the creation of a different option or solution, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is commonly employed in news, academic, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility and relevance. While its frequency is categorized as uncommon, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability. Remember to use this phrase when you need to suggest inventing or creating a brand new solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a substitute

Focuses on creating a direct replacement or substitute, implying a more structured and deliberate approach.

develop an option

Suggests a process of gradual improvement and detailing of a possible plan.

create a workaround

Implies finding a solution to circumvent an obstacle or problem, often less formal.

establish a fallback

Highlights the preparatory aspect of setting up a reserve plan in case the original fails.

engineer a solution

Emphasizes skillful design and problem-solving to produce a practical alternative.

craft a replacement

Suggests creating something new to take the place of something else.

originate a different approach

Emphasizes the novelty and inventiveness of the proposed change.

innovate a variant

Focuses on modifying an existing system or method to produce a novel version.

improvise another way

Suggests an on-the-spot, adaptable solution made from available resources.

invent a backup plan

Highlights the planning of an additional strategy to support the primary one.

FAQs

How can I use "devise an alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "devise an alternative" when suggesting creating a different option or solution to a problem or situation. For example: "Faced with budget cuts, the team needed to "devise an alternative" strategy."

What are some synonyms for "devise an alternative"?

Some synonyms for "devise an alternative" include "formulate a substitute", "develop an option", or "create a workaround" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "devise an alternative" or "develop an alternative"?

Both "devise an alternative" and "develop an alternative" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Devise" suggests inventing or creating something new, while "develop" implies expanding upon an existing idea. The best choice depends on whether you are starting from scratch or building on something already in place.

What is the difference between "devise an alternative" and "find an alternative"?

"Devise an alternative" implies creating or inventing a new solution, whereas "find an alternative" suggests locating an already existing option. The former is about innovation, and the latter is about discovery.