have devised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have devised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been created or planned in the past and is relevant to the present. Example: "We have devised a new strategy to improve our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traders have devised a simple workaround.

The Economist

Mephistopheles himself could have devised nothing sweeter.

The New Yorker

Others have devised different plans.

The New York Times

Accordingly, the Palestinians have devised another strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Physicists have devised numerous ways to look for dark matter.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Working with Mr. Alys, they have devised an exceptional installation.

The New York Times

He seems to have devised a new genre: the "hyperromance".

The Economist

LVMH's senior managers have devised ways to refresh it.

The Economist

Some of the Housewives have devised strategies for maximum buzz.

The New York Times

Even he couldn't have devised a more meta moment.

The New York Times

They have devised an overarching color scheme for the show.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While "have devised" is generally suitable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "have formulated" or "have established".

Common error

Avoid passive constructions that obscure the actor. Instead of "A solution has been devised", prefer "We/They have devised a solution" to maintain a clear and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have devised" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating an action (devising) completed at an unspecified time in the past with present relevance. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have devised" is a grammatically sound and frequently used present perfect verb phrase, signaling the creation or planning of something with ongoing relevance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various writing contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using "have devised", clarity is key: ensure the actor and the devised plan are clearly defined. While generally versatile, consider slightly more formal alternatives like "have formulated" in highly formal situations. Avoid passive constructions to maintain a direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have created

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence.

have developed

Emphasizes a process of gradual improvement and advancement.

have formulated

Highlights the precise and systematic creation of a plan or idea.

have designed

Implies a structured and intentional approach to creating something, often with a specific purpose.

have conceived

Stresses the initial formation of an idea or plan in the mind.

have invented

Suggests the creation of something entirely new and original.

have originated

Highlights the starting point or source of something.

have pioneered

Indicates the introduction or initial development of something novel.

have instituted

Implies the establishment or introduction of a system or practice.

have arranged

Focuses on the organization and planning of elements to achieve a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "have devised" in a sentence?

You can use "have devised" to indicate that someone has created or planned something, such as "The team have devised a new strategy for marketing."

What can I say instead of "have devised"?

You can use alternatives like "have created", "have developed", or "have formulated" depending on the context.

Is "have devised" formal or informal?

"Have devised" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider alternatives like "have formulated" for more formal writing.

What's the difference between "have devised" and "have invented"?

"Have devised" implies creating a plan or method, while "have invented" suggests creating something entirely new and original. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a novel creation or a planned approach.