devised the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"devised the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has come up with an idea or a plan. For example, "Sandy devised the idea for the fundraising event, which raised thousands of dollars for charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Zukor then devised the idea of making films featuring Broadway stage actors in their current successes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After Mr. McCusker's death, the two restaurateurs devised the idea of a tribute.

The New York Times

"Chefs hate cabinet doors," says Mller, who devised the idea of curtains over the cupboards instead.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many times, children asked for contributions to UNICEF, not knowing they were speaking to the woman who devised the idea.

The Washington Post

The two entrepreneurs devised the idea for SolarCity during a trip the Burning Man desert festival in 2004.

The Guardian - Tech

Lee Iacocca, the automobile executive who headed the private restoration effort, devised the idea of raising money directly from citizens.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"The measures are an opportunity for people to make their views known in a tangible way, to generate some rumble at the grass roots," said Clint Bolick, a lawyer at the Goldwater Institute who helped devise the idea.

The New York Times

Later attempts to blame either the right-wing movements or to devise the idea of a "shared guilt" between the CSP and the Social Democrats should not deter from the facts.

University of Chicago

C.M.R. and E.M. devised the initial idea for the study.

Nature

He's here with the Vegetarische Slager's co-founder and 'concept-maker', Niko Koffeman, who devised the butcher idea.

Independent

Trans World International, the television arm of the International Management Group, which devised the network idea with the Yankees last year, still hopes to be chosen to run the operations.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devised the idea", ensure that the context clearly indicates who came up with the idea and what the idea entails. For instance, "The team devised the idea of using AI to improve customer service."

Common error

Avoid using "devised the idea" when you mean that someone carried out or put an idea into practice. "Devising" refers to the creation or conception of the idea, while "implementing" refers to its execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devised the idea" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of creating or inventing a concept. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devised the idea" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of creating or inventing a concept. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. It is essential to use this phrase when specifically referring to the creation of an idea, rather than its implementation. Alternatives such as "formulated the idea", "developed the idea", and "conceptualized the idea" can be used to convey similar meanings depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formulated the idea

Focuses on the precise expression of a concept; it implies careful and systematic thinking.

Developed the idea

Implies a gradual process of expansion and refinement of an initial concept.

Proposed the idea

Suggests putting forward an idea for consideration or discussion.

Conceptualized the idea

Emphasizes the formation of a mental image or concept.

Derived the idea

Highlights the origin or source from which the idea was obtained.

Invented the idea

Stresses the creation of something entirely new or original.

Conceived the idea

Emphasizes the initial formation of an idea in the mind.

Originated the idea

Focuses on the beginning or start of the idea's existence.

Pioneered the idea

Implies being the first to develop or implement a particular idea.

Envisioned the idea

Suggests imagining or visualizing the idea, often with a sense of anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "formulated the idea", "developed the idea", or "conceptualized the idea" depending on the context.

How to use "devised the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "devised the idea" to indicate someone created a plan or concept, for example: "She devised the idea for the new marketing campaign."

What is the difference between "devised the idea" and "developed the idea"?

"Devised the idea" refers to the initial creation of a concept, while "developed the idea" implies a process of expanding and refining the initial concept.

Is "devised of the idea" grammatically correct?

No, "devised of the idea" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "devised the idea".