devising a solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devising a solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or formulating a solution to a problem or challenge. Example: "The team is focused on devising a solution to improve our customer service response time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Devising a solution required some imagination.

The New York Times

In devising a solution, your happiness, too, is worthy of consideration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Focus less on a media campaign than on devising a solution among a wide range of stakeholders.

The New York Times

I think these columnist fellas who give me aggro for not devising a solution or for using long words are just being territorial.

The Guardian - Opinion

This inherent instability makes the impact of global warming that much more difficult to predict, and makes devising a solution that would meet Whitman's standards potentially impossible.

The New Yorker

It's important to remember that devising a solution for the North Korean crisis will require sustained diplomatic efforts with China, South Korea and other countries of the region.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Terry, the coach, devised a solution.

The New York Times - Sports

Eric Kokish from Toronto devised a solution.

The New York Times

Finally, Lyle Barton of the exhibition department devised a solution.

The New York Times

So Miller devised a solution, which he calls the China Beige Book.

The New Yorker

Finally, one of my cousins devised a solution.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devising a solution", consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended level of creativity and effort involved in the solution-finding process.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "devising a solution" in a passive voice. Instead of "A solution was being devised", opt for the active voice: "The team is devising a solution" to maintain clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devising a solution" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or part of the subject of a sentence. It describes the action of creating or formulating a resolution to a problem. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devising a solution" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively communicates the action of creating or formulating a solution to a problem. Ludwig confirms its validity. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across diverse sources, particularly in news and media contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of communications. When employing the term, consider the specific context and effort involved in the solution-finding process, and avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulating a solution

Focuses more on the detailed steps of creating the solution.

developing a solution

Emphasizes the gradual and iterative aspect of creating a solution.

crafting a solution

Suggests a careful and skillful approach to creating a solution.

conceiving a solution

Highlights the initial stage of idea generation for a solution.

designing a solution

Implies a structured and planned approach to creating a solution.

engineering a solution

Suggests a technical and systematic process of developing a solution.

creating a solution

A more general term for making a solution.

inventing a solution

Emphasizes the novelty and originality of the solution.

finding a solution

Focuses on the act of discovering a solution that already exists or is readily available.

identifying a solution

Emphasizes recognizing a solution among various possibilities.

FAQs

What does "devising a solution" mean?

"Devising a solution" means creating or formulating a plan or method to solve a problem or address a challenge. It involves thinking strategically and creatively to come up with an effective resolution.

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

You can use "devising a solution" in a sentence like this: "The committee is focused on "devising a solution" to improve customer satisfaction."

Are there alternatives to "devising a solution"?

Yes, some alternatives include "formulating a solution", "developing a solution", or "crafting a solution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "devising a solution" formal or informal?

"Devising a solution" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing or conversation.