he devised that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he devised that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has created or planned something, often in a thoughtful or clever manner. Example: "After much consideration, he devised that innovative solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Autonomy is the brainchild of Mike R. Lynch, who founded the company on the elegant mathematical algorithms he devised that look for patterns in data techniques that turn out to work well for searching text.

Forbes

He devised that impish but effective image as a way of coaxing business people into talking openly about the sensitive issues that hang heavy over a discussion but that no one dares mention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He founded Wolfram Research, Inc., in 1987 and left academia the following year to concentrate on marketing Mathematica, a computer program he had devised that allowed complex mathematical equations to be manipulated and solved algebraically, rather than using numerical analysis to find approximate solutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We can regularly read that he was a "scientist" and that he devised inventions that "changed the world".

Huffington Post

He was also interested in animals, gross-out humor, and science experiments that he devised at home.

The New Yorker

While there has been debate over whether the tale is apocryphal, Ailes carried that sensibility into his career as a political consultant, where he devised ads that slimed opponents, sometimes with half truths.

Los Angeles Times

To help assure smooth continuity, he devised art that didn't require virtuosic talent, just straightforward artisan skills and patient attention.

The New York Times - Arts

So in selling new drugs he devised campaigns that appealed directly to clinicians, placing splashy ads in medical journals and distributing literature to doctors' offices.

The New Yorker

The Patriots are happy to have Belichick on their side because for many years, when Belichick was in New York, he devised plans that completely frustrated New England, especially quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

The New York Times - Sports

He devised "stills" that could distill fresh water from sea water via evaporation, and could recover and filter water from engine exhaust gases.

Huffington Post

Mr Sharif is being prosecuted under bad laws that he devised himself and that were among the reasons for his removal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he devised that" when you want to emphasize the clever or thoughtful manner in which someone created or planned something. It is best suited for formal contexts or when highlighting ingenuity.

Common error

Avoid using "he devised that" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "he created that" or "he planned that" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he devised that" functions as a relative clause, where "he" is the subject, "devised" is the verb, and "that" introduces the clause referring back to something previously mentioned or understood. Ludwig shows examples where it introduces a description of something someone created or planned.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he devised that" is grammatically sound and serves to provide additional information about something a person created or planned, often highlighting ingenuity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most common in news and media contexts and has a neutral-to-formal register. While "he devised that" is not incorrect, remember to consider the audience and the context. In casual or informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Alternatives include "he created that", "he invented that" or "he formulated that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he created that

Focuses on the act of creation, emphasizing originality.

he formulated that

Emphasizes a careful and systematic approach to creating something.

he invented that

Highlights the novelty and originality of the creation.

he designed that

Implies a planned and structured creation, often with a specific purpose.

he conceived that

Focuses on the initial idea or mental formation of something.

he developed that

Suggests a gradual process of improvement and refinement.

he crafted that

Emphasizes skill and artistry in the creation process.

he originated that

Stresses the beginning or starting point of something.

he pioneered that

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the creation.

he orchestrated that

Suggests a complex and coordinated effort in bringing something about.

FAQs

How can I use "he devised that" in a sentence?

Use "he devised that" to indicate that someone thoughtfully planned or invented something. For example, "He devised that ingenious solution to bypass the security system".

What are some alternatives to saying "he devised that"?

You can use alternatives like "he created that", "he invented that", or "he formulated that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he devised that" more formal than "he created that"?

Yes, "he devised that" generally carries a more formal tone than "he created that". The former suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful process.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "he devised that"?

It might be inappropriate in very informal or casual contexts where simpler language would suffice. Consider using "he planned that" or "he came up with that" instead.