devote energy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devote energy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the allocation of effort or resources towards a particular task or goal. Example: "To achieve our objectives, we must devote energy to improving our marketing strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

That way, the parent can devote energy to the child without feeling guilty.

The New York Times

Such experiences tax us, and thus make us less willing to devote energy to regulating our moods and responses.

The New Yorker

If Mr. Obama decided to devote energy toward resolving the conflict — a big if — it would not be easy.

The New York Times

Their underlying case is perfectly valid – when children devote energy to fighting infection, brain development is sometimes sacrificed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dance more, invite friends to her home more, and devote energy to advancing women leaders in the world.

The New York Times

In growing numbers, people peel away from their private rat race to devote energy to collective goals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A third said: "It can be better to borrow rather than devote energies to years of coffee mornings, and hence miss grants and other targets.

The Guardian

The commandment against coveting warns against devoting energy to acquiring goods and possessions.

The New York Times

Since his time at Birmingham, he had devoted energy to teaching adult education classes.

The Guardian

Still, the mere fact that Kellogg and others are devoting energy to the "executive" format seems instructive.

The Economist

Devoting energy to how best to market its inventory hadn't been the most forward-thinking strategy for them then — nor would it be now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "devote energy" is generally acceptable, /s/invest+effort may be more suitable for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "devote energy" without specifying the target or purpose. Saying "I want to devote energy" is incomplete; clarify with "I want to devote energy to learning a new skill."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devote energy" functions as a verb phrase combined with a noun, indicating the commitment or allocation of one's effort or resources towards a particular task, goal, or activity. Ludwig confirms that this is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devote energy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the commitment of effort towards a specific goal. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is common across various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. When using "devote energy", be sure to specify the target or purpose to avoid vagueness. While the phrase is generally acceptable, alternatives like "invest effort" might be more appropriate for informal settings. Remember to consider the context to ensure that your writing remains clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate resources

Focuses on the allocation of resources rather than general effort.

invest effort

Emphasizes the investment of effort into a specific activity.

allocate time and effort

Highlights time management as well as energy expenditure.

channel resources

Implies directing resources towards a specific purpose.

focus attention

Concentrates on mental focus rather than physical exertion.

apply oneself

Stresses personal application and commitment.

concentrate efforts

Highlights focusing multiple efforts towards a goal.

expend resources

Focuses on spending resources to achieve objectives.

lend expertise

Highlights the giving of specialized knowledge rather than general effort.

plow resources into

Suggests investing significant resources into something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "devote energy" in a sentence?

To effectively use "devote energy", specify what the energy is being directed towards. For instance, "She decided to "devote energy" to her studies" provides a clear and understandable context.

What are some alternatives to "devote energy"?

Alternatives include "dedicate resources", "invest effort", or "allocate time and effort", each subtly altering the focus on the type of commitment being made.

Is it more appropriate to "devote energy" or "dedicate energy"?

While both are correct, "devote energy" emphasizes the effort expended, while "dedicate energy" suggests a formal or committed allocation of energy towards a specific goal.

What's the difference between "devote energy" and "spend energy"?

"Devote energy" implies a deliberate and focused allocation of effort, while "spend energy" simply means using energy, without necessarily implying a strategic intent.