invent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating or devising something new, such as an idea, product, or process. Example: "Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the light bulb, which revolutionized the way we illuminate our homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The more the western world was able to invent and innovate in the past 300 years, the more "civilised" it became.

The Guardian

I wonder what quackery the Kuwaiti authorities plan to invent in their vain attempt to identify gay men.

The Guardian

Unless England end up doing uncharacteristically well – or unless someone happens to invent a horrible-sounding musical instrument with a funny name – then I have to admit that a World Cup can often pass me by.

The Guardian - Opinion

James Barty is senior adviser on financial policy at Policy Exchange If the Occupy movement didn't exist, the banking community would have to invent them.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is strong potential that the digital content we create today could be lost forever – unless we invent new ways to preserve it.

The Guardian

This structural dilemma should also give pause to those looking to Christian Democracy as a model to invent a softer, compassionate, post-Thatcherite conservatism on either side of the Atlantic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where adventure stories used to depict a landscape alive with youngsters finding buried treasure, thwarting robbers and rounding up Nazi spies, the constraints on modern children mean authors must now invent whole fantastic worlds before their young heroes can enjoy any freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let us hope that God will help us and we will not have to invent a new type of political system instead of democracy that would need to be introduced for the sake of economic survival … Co-operation is a question of force, not of intention.

The Guardian

A few days later he went on to invent rock and roll.

The Guardian - Film

And, he said, there was another moral difference between him and his competitors: he wouldn't invent fake accolades; he'd only put the truth up there.

The Guardian - Tech

The Kremlin didn't invent Europe's far-right parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "invent", clearly specify what is being invented to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'He invented', say 'He invented a new type of engine'.

Common error

Avoid using "invent" when you mean "discover". "Invent" means to create something new, while "discover" means to find something that already exists.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "invent" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what is being created or devised. Ludwig shows this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "invent" functions as a transitive verb that signifies the creation or designing of something new. Ludwig's analysis highlights that it is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. While often used in neutral contexts, you can make sure to avoid using "invent" when you mean to say that something was instead "discovered". You should also be clear on what is being "invented" to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create

A general term for bringing something into existence.

develop

Implies a gradual and progressive creation.

design

Focuses on the planning and structure of something new.

formulate

Suggests creating a plan or strategy.

devise

Implies ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating something.

originate

Highlights the act of being the first to create something.

conceive

Emphasizes the mental process of creating an idea.

pioneer

Suggests being the first to develop or use something.

contrive

Implies clever or skillful planning.

coin

Often used for creating new words or phrases.

FAQs

What's the difference between "invent" and "discover"?

"Invent" means to create or design something new, like a machine or a process. "Discover", on the other hand, means to find something that already exists but was previously unknown, like a new planet or a scientific principle.

How to use "invent" in a sentence?

You can use "invent" to describe the creation of a new device, method, or idea. For example: "The scientist hoped to "invent" a more efficient solar panel." or "She had to "invent" an excuse for being late."

What can I say instead of "invent"?

You can use alternatives like "create", "develop", or "design" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "invented by" or "discovered by" when referring to a person's creation?

It's correct to say "invented by" when referring to something new that someone has created. Use "discovered by" when someone finds something that already exists. For example, the telephone was "invented by" Alexander Graham Bell, while penicillin was "discovered by" Alexander Fleming.