devising an alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devising an alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or formulating a different option or solution to a problem. Example: "The team is focused on devising an alternative that meets the project's requirements while staying within budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Canada was devising an alternative route around the Nebraska Sandhills, a sensitive habitat.

The Washington Post

But it is not fail-safe.BAE Systems, a British defence firm, is devising an alternative.

The Economist

Jeremy's brother Piers is well-known for devising an alternative weather forecasting system, which the farmer here still uses.

Independent

Faced with a Bloombergian ban on smoking in taverns, the 45-year-old Wald spent months devising an alternative to banishing smokers to the streets.

The New York Times - Magazine

The court has the option of either rejecting or accepting the request of the S.E.C., or devising an alternative plan to distribute the money.

The New York Times

On Saturdays, Hunt is looking at the huge ABC1 audience that rejects entertainment on BBC1 and ITV1, and is devising an alternative.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Dragon Rouge has devised an alternative: the Primark subscriber.

The Guardian

So I devised an alternative solution that we implemented in Spring 2007.

University of California, Berkeley

Stanford biomedical data scientist Dennis Wall, PhD, is working to devise an alternative to current diagnostic tests.

Stanford University

So Bank of America has devised an alternative: taking Athens to the families.

The New York Times

And there is little hope that Congress could devise an alternative to the law anytime soon.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your audience. "Developing a workaround" might be suitable for internal communications, while "formulating a substitute" could be more appropriate for formal reports.

Common error

Avoid using "devising an alternative" without specifying the original problem or solution. Readers need context to understand the purpose and relevance of the alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devising an alternative" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a sentence or prepositional phrase. It describes the act of creating an alternative solution, plan, or method. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devising an alternative" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the creation of a substitute solution or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. The phrase is most commonly found in news and academic settings, suggesting a formal to neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the original problem and why an alternative is needed. While synonyms such as "formulating a substitute" or "developing a workaround" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding another approach

Emphasizes the act of discovering a different method.

conceiving a substitute strategy

Highlights a new alternative in more formal way.

formulating a substitute

Focuses on the planning and creation of a replacement.

crafting a different solution

Highlights the skill and creativity involved in solving a problem.

developing a workaround

Implies finding a way to overcome an obstacle.

designing a replacement

Focuses on the technical aspect of creating a substitute.

creating a backup plan

Highlights the preparation of a contingency strategy.

inventing a new scheme

Implies originality and innovation in creating a plan.

exploring other avenues

Suggests investigating different possibilities or options.

pioneering an alternate route

Suggests venturing into uncharted territory to find a new path.

FAQs

How can I use "devising an alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "devising an alternative" to describe the process of creating a different plan or method. For example: "The team is focused on devising an alternative that meets the project's requirements."

What are some synonyms for "devising an alternative"?

Some synonyms include "formulating a substitute", "developing a workaround", or "creating a backup plan", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explain the original plan when "devising an alternative"?

While not always grammatically required, providing context about the original plan helps the reader understand the need for and benefits of "devising an alternative". Without context, the phrase can lack impact.

What's the difference between "devising an alternative" and "finding another approach"?

"Devising an alternative" implies creating something new, while "finding another approach" suggests discovering a pre-existing solution. The former is about innovation, the latter about exploration.