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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
devise that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "devise that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to suggest creating or formulating something, but it lacks context to be usable. Example: "We need to devise that plan for the upcoming project."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
The band helped devise that formula more than 20 years ago and hasn't much altered it since — which probably suits a sizable portion of its audience just fine.
News & Media
They have been trying to devise that replacement, but do not have a consensus and may hold hearings to examine the options.
News & Media
(Sidewalk Labs says it should not formulate rules for third parties on its own and proposes creating a "Civic Data Trust" to devise that policy instead). Another advisor also left in recent weeks over privacy issues.
News & Media
The general goal is to push authority for the system of manufacture into the hands of people in the organization most competent to devise that system and to help those people learn more.
News & Media
To be more specific, he would be available "for help with writing problems and stalled editorial projects and memoirs and family history; for singalongs and piano lessons and vocal coaching; for readings and salons and whatever pastimes you may devise that will keep both of us interested and amused.
News & Media
For good or ill, what creative solutions can non-Indian brands devise that could resolve the challenge?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
A brand was devised that is supposed to represent "warmth, fun and excitement".
News & Media
In such a case, a reaction scheme must be devised that will account for these intermediates.
Encyclopedias
The formula for devising that percentage is at the heart of the dispute.
News & Media
Alternatively, a computer program can be devised that will explore the problem numerically in all its complexity.
Encyclopedias
A new method is devised that makes it possible to prepare sharp tips from ball-milled powders.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "create that" or "formulate that" for clearer communication.
Common error
Avoid using unnecessarily complex phrasing. Simpler verbs like "create" or "develop" often convey the same meaning more effectively and avoid potential grammatical errors.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "devise that" functions as a verb phrase aiming to express the creation or formulation of something. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is grammatically questionable and not considered standard English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
50%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "devise that" is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms that the construction lacks standard usage and recommends opting for clearer and more widely accepted alternatives. Although some examples exist across various sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts, the phrase's awkwardness suggests that substituting it with stronger options such as "create that" or "formulate that" will improve clarity and grammatical correctness. Given the questionable nature of "devise that", it's best to adopt more conventional language.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
create that
Replaces "devise" with a simpler and more common verb, maintaining the same core meaning.
formulate that
Uses a more formal synonym for "devise", suitable for technical or official contexts.
develop that
Suggests a gradual process of creation, implying refinement and iteration.
design that
Focuses on the planning and structural aspects of creation.
invent that
Implies creating something entirely new and original.
conceive that
Highlights the initial stage of creation, emphasizing the idea or concept.
contrive that
Suggests a clever or resourceful way of creating something, often implying ingenuity.
originate that
Emphasizes the source or beginning of the creation process.
construct that
Focuses on the building or assembly of something, often from various components.
imagine that
Highlights the mental process of creating something in one's mind.
FAQs
What does "devise that" mean?
The phrase "devise that" is not standard English. It likely intends to convey the meaning of creating or formulating something. A better alternative would be to use "create that".
How can I use "devise that" in a sentence correctly?
While "devise that" isn't considered correct, you can rephrase your sentence using more standard alternatives like "formulate that" or "develop that" to achieve the intended meaning.
What are some alternatives to "devise that"?
Alternatives include "create that", "formulate that", "design that", or "develop that". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is "devise that" formal or informal?
Because "devise that" is not a standard or accepted phrase, its level of formality is irrelevant. Opt for more grammatically sound and widely understood alternatives in both formal and informal contexts.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested