devised a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"devised a plan" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone thought of a plan or strategy. For example, "The team leader devised a plan to increase profits and reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So he devised a plan.

Harvard Business Review

So it devised a plan.

The New York Times - Books

Out of those conversations, Mohammed and Basit devised a plan.

The New Yorker

Together, they devised a plan to make Sarah more accountable.

Harvard Business Review

Lough, Radcliffe and her doctor, Elena Demetrescu, devised a plan.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, last April, Mr. Patrick devised a plan.

The New York Times - Style

They devised a plan to kidnap the dealer and take the money.

The New Yorker

In 1957 he devised a plan to send used magazines to….

The New Yorker

The company's earnings were down, so it had devised a plan to cut expenses.

The New York Times

In the interim, Motion devised a plan that he now admits seemed crazy.

The New York Times - Sports

Christopher Columbus devised a plan to reach the East by traveling West.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "developed a strategy" or "formulated a scheme" to add variety to your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "devised a plan" for simple or obvious actions. This phrase implies a degree of ingenuity or complexity, so reserve it for situations where genuine planning was involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devised a plan" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of creating a strategy or course of action. The Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devised a plan" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression in English. It describes the act of creating a strategy or course of action, and is suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While the phrase is relatively neutral in tone, it implies a degree of complexity or ingenuity in the planning process. Consider using synonyms like "developed a strategy" or "formulated a scheme" to add variety to your writing. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose and intended outcome of the plan for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Developed a strategy

Focuses on the creation of a comprehensive strategy rather than just a plan.

Formulated a scheme

Suggests a more detailed and potentially complex plan, often with a hint of ingenuity or cunning.

Crafted a roadmap

Highlights the visual and directional aspect of a plan, suggesting a path to a specific goal.

Conceptualized an approach

Emphasizes the initial stages of planning, highlighting the development of the core idea or concept.

Concocted a strategy

Implies creating a plan or strategy, often using available objects and resources, it's a good fit in contexts where improvisation is key.

Engineered a solution

Implies a technical or problem-solving approach to planning, often involving innovation.

Mapped out a procedure

Focuses on outlining the steps and sequence of actions within a plan.

Established a method

Highlights the creation of a systematic approach, implying a structured and repeatable process.

Designed a blueprint

Emphasizes the detailed and structured nature of the plan, similar to an architectural blueprint.

Arranged a setup

Suggests careful preparation and organization, particularly for an event or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "devised a plan" in a sentence?

You can use "devised a plan" to describe the creation of a strategy, for example: "The marketing team "devised a plan" to increase brand awareness."

What's the difference between "devised a plan" and "developed a strategy"?

"Devised a plan" generally refers to creating a specific course of action, while "developed a strategy"/"developed a strategy" suggests a more comprehensive and long-term approach.

Are there any formal alternatives to "devised a plan"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives such as "formulated a scheme" or "established a method" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "devised a plan" suitable for use in academic writing?

Yes, "devised a plan" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when describing research methodologies or project designs. Just ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing.