devolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the transfer of power or responsibility from a higher authority to a lower one, often in a political context. Example: "The government has devolved certain powers to local authorities to enhance decision-making at the community level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there's always been a grey area about what's entirely devolved, with enough ambiguity for the party to cast popular votes, which also fitted with its instincts, against student fees and foundation hospitals south of the border.

The Guardian - Opinion

After 100 days of talks and just two days before Christmas, Sinn Féin, the DUP, the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP reached an agreement at Stormont that saved devolved government in Belfast from collapse.

The Guardian

On the print media, the manifesto points out that regulation is already devolved to the Scottish parliament, which chose to "support the UK government's actions to implement Leveson".

The Guardian

The plans would see the post of police and crime commissioner for Greater Manchester police – established by the coalition government – scrapped and replaced by an elected mayor, while further powers would be devolved to the Greater Manchester combined authority (GMCA), including some control over business growth as well as health and social care budgets.

The Guardian

What the PR battle over Brown's unexpectedly robust performance before the Chilcot inquiry failed to explain was military budgets are devolved to the service chiefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

And even if Soviet cinema rapidly devolved into turgid propaganda – "boy meets girl meets tractor", as it was dismissed by one Hollywood critic – it set the tone for the rest of the century in Europe, from cinema verité to Italian neo-realism to the French New Wave.

The Guardian - Film

"For example, I think power should be devolved from Holyrood to communities.

The Guardian

She told the Mail on Sunday: "It would mean Scottish MPs who have no responsibility for issues like health, education and policing in their own constituencies [as they are devolved to the Scottish parliament] making decisions on those issues for England and Wales.

The Guardian

Thus there will be more nurses funded by Ed Miliband's mansion tax; there will be more power devolved from Holyrood to local authorities; and there will be an end to gambling machines in betting shops – the crack cocaine of the industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ashdown certainly hinted at that when he said the commission's abolition was contingent on policing and justice powers being fully devolved to the Northern Ireland assembly.

The Guardian

He says he would consider further devolved powers as an alternative to independence, because "central government is really about the south of England", but says that the pro-UK parties still do not seem to know what they're offering.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devolved" in the context of political power, ensure clarity regarding which powers are being transferred and to whom. Be specific about the responsibilities and limitations involved in the transfer.

Common error

Avoid using "devolved" interchangeably with terms like "delegated" or "transferred" without considering the nuances. "Devolved" often implies a more permanent and fundamental shift in power, while others may suggest temporary assignments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devolved" is as a past participle form of the verb "devolve". It is used to describe a state where power, responsibilities, or characteristics have been transferred or passed on, often in a political or organizational context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devolved" functions as a past participle verb, most frequently employed within News & Media to denote the transfer of power or responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While often used in a political context, it can also describe a decline or deterioration. Related terms include "delegated", "transferred", and "passed down", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. When using "devolved", ensure clarity regarding which powers are being transferred and to whom and avoid using it interchangeably with other terms without considering its specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delegated

Implies a specific assignment of tasks or responsibilities, often temporary or conditional.

Transferred

Suggests a movement of something from one place or person to another, focusing on the act of conveyance.

Passed down

Indicates the inheritance or succession of something, often through generations or established hierarchies.

Handed over

Emphasizes the act of relinquishing control or authority to someone else.

Entrusted

Highlights the element of trust and confidence placed in the recipient of the power or responsibility.

Assigned

A more formal term for allocating a task or duty, often within an organizational context.

Relegated

Suggests a demotion or transfer to a less important position or task.

Deteriorated

Focuses on the decline in quality or condition, often used in the context of something worsening over time.

Degenerated

Implies a decline from a higher state to a lower or more corrupt one, often with negative connotations.

Fallen

Indicates a loss of status, power, or condition, often implying a sudden or dramatic decline.

FAQs

How is "devolved" used in a sentence?

The word "devolved" describes the transfer of powers or responsibilities from a central authority to a local or regional one. For example: "The government "devolved" certain powers to the Scottish Parliament."

What are some alternatives to "devolved"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "delegated", "transferred", or "passed down" instead of "devolved".

When should I use "devolved" versus "delegated"?

"Devolved" typically implies a more permanent and constitutional shift of power, while "delegated" suggests a temporary assignment of tasks or responsibilities.

What's the difference between "devolved" and "deteriorated"?

"Devolved", in a non-political context, can sometimes mean deteriorated, implying a decline. However, "deteriorated" focuses solely on the decline in quality or condition, whereas "devolved" still carries the sense of a transfer, even if it's a negative one.