devising plans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devising plans" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to the process of creating a plan, scheme, or strategy to achieve a goal or solve a problem. For example, "We have spent the last few weeks devising plans on how to improve customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Committees in the ministry are devising plans to tear down the walls within Japan's financial system.

The Economist

But still, some people dream of beaches and are devising plans to create them.

The New York Times

Mr. Parsons, however, said he was already devising plans for various possible developments.

The New York Times

Doug Herzog, the president of the USA Network, said he was devising plans to give USA a stronger identity.

The New York Times

Perhaps it should start devising plans and apply for funds as stipulated in the Copenhagen Accord 2009.

The Guardian

Language skills were an advantage when he began his career devising plans to market skin care products at Colgate-Palmolive.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The officers of Harbor devise plans to deal with the myriad threats.

The New York Times

Almost 400 cities have devised plans to curb or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Economist

Along the way, he devised plans to kidnap and murder a congressman.

The Economist

Places where she could loiter in the streets, devise plans for catching glimpses.

The New Yorker

To help states devise plans, the federal health agency intends to release $200 million now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devising plans", ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose and scope of the plans being created. For instance, specify the area or problem the plans address.

Common error

Don't just state that someone is "devising plans" without providing any context. Always clarify the purpose and scope of the plans to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devising plans" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of creating or formulating strategies. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts like business and politics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devising plans" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the act of creating strategies or arrangements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. It denotes a thoughtful and strategic approach to planning, often with a specific goal in mind. Related phrases include "design plans" and "formulate strategies", offering nuanced alternatives. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; provide context to the plans' purpose. The phrase is common, used in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devise plans

Simplifies the original phrase by removing the gerund form, focusing on the action.

devising schemes

Implies a more strategic or potentially cunning approach to planning.

design plans

Highlights the detailed and structured aspect of plan creation, focusing on design elements.

designing plans

Similar to "design plans", but emphasizes the ongoing process of designing.

building plans

Focuses on the constructive and developmental aspect of creating plans.

imagining plans

Emphasizes the initial, conceptual stage of plan creation, highlighting the imaginative aspect.

proposing plans

Highlights the act of suggesting or putting forward plans for consideration.

establish plans

Emphasizes the act of setting up or formalizing plans.

establishing plans

Similar to "establish plans", but emphasizes the ongoing process of establishing.

implementing plans

Shifts the focus from creation to the execution of existing plans.

FAQs

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

You can use "devising plans" to describe the process of creating strategies to achieve a specific goal. For example, "The company is currently devising plans to expand into new markets."

What are some alternatives to "devising plans"?

Some alternatives include "design plans", "formulate strategies", or "create schemes", depending on the specific context.

Is "devising plans" formal or informal?

The phrase "devising plans" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and specific context will influence the overall tone.

What's the difference between "devising plans" and "making plans"?

"Devising plans" implies a more thoughtful and strategic approach to planning, while "making plans" is a more general term that can refer to any kind of planning, whether strategic or not.