devising a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

'devising a plan' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of creating a plan to achieve something, especially a complex goal. For example: After careful consideration, the team began devising a plan to increase their market share.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They need help devising a plan forward.

The New York Times

Ms. Cohn has already started devising a plan.

The New York Times

MGM Mirage is devising a plan to slash its own debt.

The Economist

The military began devising a plan to respond to future attacks.

The New York Times

So she got creative, devising a plan that was elegantly deceptive and grand in scope.

MIT Technology Review

The Trump administration is reportedly devising a plan to decimate Medicaid through executive action.

The Washington Post

The state has great flexibility in devising a plan to reach the goal.

The New York Times

Devising a plan is easy compared with the politics of getting it enacted.

The New York Times

Ever since Hughes won a rotation spot in spring training, the Yankees have been devising a plan for him.

The New York Times - Sports

But devising a plan that will satisfy the public while reassuring business leaders and Beijing will be difficult.

The New York Times

So Bogle set about devising a plan for UCL to use its own money to replace the Orsas grants.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "formulating a strategy" or "developing a scheme" to add nuance and avoid repetition, depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "devising a plan" without specifying the target of the plan. Clearly state what the plan is intended to accomplish to prevent ambiguity. Instead of saying "They are devising a plan", specify "They are devising a plan to reduce carbon emissions".

Linguistic Context

Gerund Phrase: The phrase "devising a plan" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action of creating a strategy. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing how organizations create strategies (Ludwig AI).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devising a plan" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the action of creating a strategy or method to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While synonyms like "formulating a strategy" or "developing a scheme" can add nuance, it's essential to clearly define the plan's scope to avoid ambiguity. The phrase enjoys widespread usage across authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing strategic planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulating a strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect, implying a broader, more comprehensive approach than just a plan.

developing a scheme

Implies a detailed and sometimes intricate plan, often with a specific goal in mind.

crafting a proposal

Highlights the creation of a formal suggestion or plan, often for consideration by others.

establishing a course of action

Emphasizes the initiation of a defined path or procedure to achieve a goal.

creating a roadmap

Suggests a visual or step-by-step guide to reach a specific destination or outcome.

mapping out a project

Focuses on the detailed organization and structuring of a project's tasks and timeline.

setting up a system

Implies the creation of a structured process or set of procedures for a particular purpose.

arranging a procedure

Highlights the organization and sequencing of steps in a formal process.

outlining a method

Emphasizes the initial sketching or defining of a specific approach to solving a problem.

laying out a blueprint

Focuses on creating a detailed and precise plan, often for construction or implementation.

FAQs

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

You can use "devising a plan" to describe the process of creating a strategy or method to achieve a specific goal. For example: "The company is "devising a plan" to increase its market share next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "devising a plan"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "formulating a strategy", "developing a scheme", or "creating a roadmap".

What is the difference between "devising a plan" and "implementing a plan"?

"Devising a plan" refers to the process of creating or formulating a strategy, while "implementing a plan" refers to putting that strategy into action.

Is "devising a plan" formal or informal language?

"Devising a plan" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "formulating a strategy" might be preferred in highly professional settings.