it was not devised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not devised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was not planned, created, or invented, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The solution to the problem was not devised by the committee, but rather emerged organically from the team's discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was not devised to benefit foreign workers, many of whom are being harmed by the law's complex provisons.

The New York Times

The setting used for the TIM did not elicit many negative interactions: it was not devised specifically to study the type of negative interactions for which the MPOS is designed.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is not devised by masterminds or advertised on billboards; it simply arises and prods us into action.

The New Yorker

Both tornadoes are estimated to have been equivalent to F3 in intensity on the modern Fujita scale of tornado intensity, which was not devised until 1971.

Wikipedia

However, this technology was not devised to measure diffusion of particular molecules directly in the ECM, but rather to elucidate the conditions for matrix assembly itself.

BMC Biotechnology

Smith rejected the idea that the CMA was not devising radical solutions.

The Guardian - Business

"Our old logo just wasn't devised to perform in a variety of digital spaces which means that it doesn't work in the way that we want it to today," she said.

The Guardian

But that report wasn't devised to provide solid estimates in fine-grained geographic detail.

The New York Times

It is important that such frameworks are not devised as blanket rules, but are dynamic so that they can be adapted in response to the context of the result, the participant, the growth of reference data and changes in guidelines and policy.

Genome Medicine

Traditional Nielsen "people meter" boxes, which count what family members in a sample household are watching, were not devised to measure programming viewed using personal digital video recorders.

The New York Times

Businesses are sitting on more than a trillion in cash, but are reluctant to invest because of lagging demand, a problem that tax incentives are not devised to address.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was not devised", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was not devised" in casual conversation; simpler phrases like "it wasn't planned" or "it wasn't meant to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not devised" functions as a statement of negation, indicating that something was not intentionally created or planned. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing systems, solutions, or approaches that lacked deliberate design.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was not devised" is a phrase used to express that something was not intentionally created or planned. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While generally considered neutral to formal in register, and appearing in contexts such as News & Media and Science, simpler alternatives are often preferred in informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what "it" refers to to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't planned

Replaces "devised" with a more common synonym, maintaining the meaning of a lack of pre-arrangement.

it was not intended

Shifts the focus from creation to purpose, indicating a lack of deliberate intent.

it wasn't designed

Similar to "planned", this suggests that something was not intentionally structured in a specific way.

it was not created intentionally

Emphasizes the absence of deliberate creation, making the lack of intent explicit.

it didn't originate with

Focuses on the source, implying that something did not begin with a particular entity or purpose.

it was not conceived

Uses a more formal synonym for "devised", retaining a similar meaning in a more elevated register.

it wasn't brought about deliberately

Highlights that an event or outcome was not caused on purpose.

it was not the result of contrivance

Emphasizes the absence of artificiality or manipulation in bringing something about.

it did not come about by design

Highlights the lack of a structured or pre-determined plan.

it wasn't premeditated

Indicates the absence of prior thought or planning, often used in legal or ethical contexts.

FAQs

What does "it was not devised" mean?

The phrase "it was not devised" means something was not planned, invented, or created intentionally. It suggests a lack of deliberate design or purpose.

What can I say instead of "it was not devised"?

You can use alternatives like "it wasn't planned", "it wasn't designed", or "it was not intended", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was not devised" formal or informal?

"It was not devised" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "it wasn't planned" are more common.

How to use "it was not devised" in a sentence?

You can use "it was not devised" to indicate that a particular strategy, system, or solution was not intentionally created. For example: "The current approach to the problem "it was not devised" with long-term sustainability in mind."