devised an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devised an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or formulating a concept or plan. Example: "After several brainstorming sessions, the team devised an idea that could revolutionize our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two developers, Kevin Rafferty and Robert Coltrin, had devised an idea for a new California Adventure ride that would juxtapose the old-fashioned romance of a carnival midway with high-tech video game elements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two young entrepreneurs devise an idea for the next big e-commerce Web site, raise enormous sums of cash, spend lavishly on advertising, lose money on every sale, take the company public and make every employee a billionaire.

The New York Times

Which is why Messrs Bertarelli and Ellison have devised a new idea: to make the America's Cup more like Formula One televisually the world's biggest and richest sport.They envisage a series of qualifying regattas, leading up to the finals, either annually or every two years.

The Economist

And it has devised an interlocking network of ideas and information, while recognizing that a great museum can also create a network of allusions and experiences in each of its galleries, promising unbounded possibilities with bricks as well as bits.

The New York Times - Arts

The class was asked to devise a business idea and write a business plan.

The Guardian

Advertising was a straightforward business: agencies had to devise a good idea for an ad and then choose the right publication or broadcast slot in order to catch consumers' attention.

The Economist

A learner may devise a good idea through evaluating such an example and find how to improve the example.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Henry Adams once observed that a chronological survey of American presidents might suggest that Darwin got it exactly backward, and many students of history have come to see the founding fathers as a generation of demigods whose like will never be seen again — demigods who magically devised a set of ideas and institutions that would eventually become a blueprint for democracy around the world.

The New York Times - Books

Vinny Lingham, the CEO and co-founder of Gyft, has devised a brilliantly dead-simple idea to attack the growing gift card market and enable both the purchasing of and redemption of cards through mobile phones.

TechCrunch

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

He and the screenwriter Sadayuki Murai devised a new plot and the idea of the layered narration, and in the end, Mr. Kon said, "the only thing in common between the original story and my movie was the characters".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devised an idea", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or outcome of the idea. Providing additional details strengthens the sentence and offers more information to the reader.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "An idea was devised". Actively state who devised the idea to make the sentence more direct and impactful. For instance, use "The team devised an idea" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devised an idea" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "devised" acts as the main verb indicating the action of creating or inventing, and "idea" is the object. It is commonly used to introduce or describe a new concept, plan, or method. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devised an idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of creating or formulating a new concept or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with notable presence in scientific and encyclopedic sources as well. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it can be applicable to a range of professional contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "conceived a concept" or "formulated a plan" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conceived a concept

Focuses on the initial formation of an idea, highlighting the mental process of creation.

Formulated a plan

Emphasizes the structured and organized nature of the idea, suggesting a detailed approach.

Developed a scheme

Suggests a more strategic and potentially complex idea, often with a specific goal in mind.

Invented a method

Highlights the innovative and practical aspect of the idea, focusing on a new way of doing something.

Originated a design

Focuses on the creative and visual aspects of the idea, suggesting a blueprint or model.

Crafted a solution

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of the idea, suggesting a carefully created answer.

Pioneered an approach

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the idea, suggesting a new way of tackling a problem.

Fashioned an initiative

Suggests the idea is a proactive step or project aimed at achieving a specific objective.

Imagined a scenario

Focuses on the hypothetical aspect of the idea, suggesting a mental simulation of a possible future.

Contrived a strategy

Implies a clever or resourceful way to achieve a goal, potentially involving some ingenuity or manipulation.

FAQs

What does "devised an idea" mean?

The phrase "devised an idea" means to create, invent, or formulate a new concept or plan. It suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process of coming up with something original.

How can I use "devised an idea" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the process of creating or formulating a concept or plan. For example: "After several brainstorming sessions, the team "devised an idea" that could revolutionize our marketing strategy."

What can I say instead of "devised an idea"?

You can use alternatives like "conceived a concept", "formulated a plan", or "developed a scheme" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "devised an idea" formal or informal?

The phrase ""devised an idea"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively neutral expression that doesn't carry strong connotations of either formality or informality.