devising a means of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devising a means of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of creating or developing a method or solution for a particular problem or task. Example: "The team is focused on devising a means of improving communication within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

1948 Jean-Pierre Blumière is charged with the French colonial authorities in Indochina with devising a means of keeping French generals from being bitten by mosquitoes during their daily four-hour lunches.

Forbes

212 B.C.-The Emperor Shi Tzu tasks his court with devising a means of waking him one hour before sunrise while he travels from palace to palace, so that he may use the facilities before his 600 concubines.

Forbes

There were numerous difficulties to overcome, not the least of which was devising a means of detonating the lenses with the required speed.

Wikipedia

We have also improved on previous technology by devising a means of eliminating most illegitimate recombination events.

Development (Cambridge)

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Rehearsing to play God, he devised a means of synthesising probiotics to waft away vaginal odours.

The Guardian - Books

In the novel the opposition to Gen. Augusto Pinochet devises a means of winning the 1988 referendum on the dictatorship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A stage magician called Tommy Trent is travelling to the western front after being asked to devise a means of making allied aircraft invisible to the enemy.

The Guardian - Books

Neither the Russians nor anyone else had devised a means of turning men into robots and there was "little threat, if any, to national security," the study said.

The New York Times

A stage magician called Tommy Trent is travelling to the western front after being asked to devise a means of making allied aircraft invisible to the enemy.

The Guardian - Books

But it wasn't until my junior year at Columbia that I devised a means of spending more time there than any customer in its history.

The New Yorker

The winning idea came not from an oil industry specialist but from a chemist, John Davis, who applied his expertise in the concrete industry to devise a means of keeping oil liquid as it is pumped.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devising a means of" when you want to emphasize the thoughtful and creative process of finding a solution, especially in technical or complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "devising a means of" for very simple or obvious solutions. Simpler phrases like "finding a way to" or "creating a solution for" might be more appropriate in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devising a means of" functions as a gerund phrase followed by a noun and preposition, typically acting as part of a larger clause indicating the action of creating or inventing a method. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devising a means of" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of creating or developing a method or solution. Ludwig AI highlights its usability in formal English. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a more formal and deliberate tone. While alternatives like "creating a method for" or "developing a strategy to" exist, the phrase is best suited for situations where the inventive and thoughtful nature of the solution is emphasized. Although less common than simpler expressions, it adds a level of precision and sophistication when appropriately used. Keep in mind that in very simple contexts, using "devising a means of" might come across as overly complex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulating a method for

Focuses on the creation of a structured method, emphasizing a more systematic approach.

developing a strategy to

Highlights the development of a plan to achieve a specific goal.

creating a system for

Emphasizes the establishment of an organized set of procedures.

establishing a way to

Suggests setting up a specific path or method to accomplish something.

designing an approach to

Focuses on the intentional design of a particular method or style.

finding a solution for

Highlights the act of discovering a resolution to a problem.

pioneering a technique for

Emphasizes the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the method.

inventing a process for

Focuses on creating a new set of actions or steps for a specific purpose.

conceiving a plan for

Highlights the initial idea or mental creation of a strategy.

originating a route to

Suggests the beginning or creation of a path or course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "devising a means of" in a sentence?

The phrase "devising a means of" is used to describe the act of creating or inventing a way to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem. For example, "The engineers are busy "devising a means of" improving the engine's efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "devising a means of"?

Alternatives include "developing a strategy to", "creating a system for", or "establishing a way to", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "devising a means of" formal or informal?

The phrase "devising a means of" tends to be more formal and is often used in technical, academic, or professional contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "finding a solution for" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "devising a means of" and "finding a way to"?

While both phrases express the idea of achieving a goal, "devising a means of" suggests a more deliberate and creative process of invention, whereas "finding a way to" implies a simpler act of discovery or identification of an existing method.