devising

USAGE SUMMARY

"devising" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the process of creating or planning something, often in a thoughtful or systematic way. Example: "The team is devising a new strategy for the project." Alternative expressions include "formulating" and "designing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The task of devising a distinctive Lib Dem education policy has fallen to Sarah Teather, one of the great beneficiaries of Sir Menzies' leadership victory.

The Guardian

With Greece's great economic crisis catapulting tourism onto centre stage, industry figures have spent much of the crisis devising ways of better showcasing the "Greek tourism product".

The Guardian

Scientists have spent years devising its cross-hatched reinforced Kevlar skeleton and its Twistatec technology which "allows for easy insertion".

The Guardian - Opinion

Crosby, who faced criticism for devising a heartless campaign that focused on the "long-term economic plan" and how the Tories offered competence versus Labour chaos, will now be praised for running a highly disciplined campaign.

The Guardian

Their squawking, cruel faces and white-streaked bombing runs had me devising a deadly version of the seaside amusement arcade's shooting gallery.

The Guardian - Travel

The EU bonus cap, introduced at the start of 2014, has resulted in banks devising controversial allowances to prevent their top bankers losing out, handed out in addition to regular pay and bonuses.

The Guardian - Business

Jenkins will admit that some parts of the business were engaging solely in devising tax schemes.

The Guardian - Business

Waza officials reportedly told Jaza in October it still had not gone far enough in devising a humane way of procuring live dolphins.

The Guardian

But NGOs have warned that a wide range of opinions must be sought when devising aid effectiveness targets.

The Guardian

But on the evidence of Durham, they are becoming extremely skilled at devising more and more interesting ways to lose them.

The Guardian - Sport

CFOs became strategic planners, playing a big part in mergers; taking charge of information technology; devising complex financial instruments; and above all, managing relations with investors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devising", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being created or planned. For example, specify whether you are "devising a strategy", "devising a plan", or "devising a method" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "devising" without a clear object. Ensure the sentence explicitly states what is being devised to prevent ambiguity. Instead of saying 'They are devising', specify 'They are devising a new marketing campaign'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devising" is as a present participle or gerund, often acting as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig confirms that this term functions to describe an ongoing action of creating or planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devising" is a versatile term used to describe the act of creating or planning something, particularly strategies, methods, or systems. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, predominantly in news, business, and scientific domains. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian underscore its reliability. When using "devising", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being devised to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "formulating", "planning", or "designing" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulating

Emphasizes the creation of a plan or strategy in a systematic and structured manner.

creating

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence, either tangible or intangible.

planning

Highlights the process of setting goals and outlining the steps to achieve them.

designing

Involves creating a detailed plan or blueprint, often with a focus on aesthetics and functionality.

developing

Suggests a gradual process of growth and improvement, often involving multiple stages.

inventing

Implies the creation of something entirely new and original, often through ingenuity and innovation.

conceiving

Focuses on the initial formation of an idea or concept in the mind.

originating

Highlights the act of being the starting point or source of something.

contriving

Implies a clever or resourceful approach to creating something, sometimes with a hint of manipulation.

arranging

Focuses on the organization and structuring of elements to achieve a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "devising" in a sentence?

You can use "devising" to describe the act of creating or planning something. For instance, "The team is "devising a strategy" to improve sales" or "Scientists are "devising new methods" for cancer treatment".

What are some alternatives to the word "devising"?

Some alternatives to "devising" include "formulating", "planning", "designing", and "creating". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "devising" or "creating" when talking about a plan?

While both can be used, "devising" often implies a more thoughtful and systematic approach to creating a plan, whereas "creating" is more general. Using "devising" can add a sense of careful consideration to the planning process.

What's the difference between "devising" and "designing"?

"Devising" generally refers to the act of coming up with a plan or method, whereas "designing" often involves creating a detailed blueprint or specification. You might devise a general approach and then design the specific details.