they were devised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were devised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was created or planned, often in a formal or technical context. Example: "The new policies were devised to improve efficiency and reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

They were devised during William Hague's leadership to thwart Ken Clarke.

The Guardian - Opinion

The programmes, too, were tired; in fact they were devised by a committee.

The Guardian

They were devised to make children feel that Nickelodeon is their home base on television.

The New York Times - Arts

They were devised and spread by the Kriegsschuldreferat (War Guilt Office), a secret unit in the German foreign ministry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They were devised to give the general investor a guide to the overall mood of the market.

The Economist

This small treasure represents the subtle side of Brooklyn night life -- not imported trends, but individual dreams played out close to the homes where they were devised.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They were devising simple tasks, repeating them, working with basic forms.

The New York Times - Arts

Quite simply, they were devising ways to inflict pain and suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the Jets were not praising Jackson last week, they were devising ways to contain him in Sunday's A.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

They were devising ways to transplant healthy kidneys into those whose organs had failed, and they were looking for twins to attempt the first operation.

Harvard University

And Pentagon officials said today that they were devising regulations that were likely to include a more flexible standard for evidence than civilian trials would accept.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were devised" when you want to emphasize the intentionality and planning that went into creating something, especially rules, systems, or strategies. This phrasing adds a layer of formality and deliberation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they were devised" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "they were made" or "they were created" might be more appropriate for everyday conversations or less formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were devised" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) was acted upon by an unstated agent. This highlights the result of the action rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms this is a proper and formal way to expose the concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were devised" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to denote the intentional creation of something, often rules, systems, or strategies. Predominantly found in contexts such as news media, science, and academia, this phrasing carries a Neutral tone. While versatile, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives like "they were created" in less formal scenarios. Its consistent use across authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and precision in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were created

Replaces "devised" with the more common synonym "created", focusing on the act of making something.

they were designed

Emphasizes the planning and intention behind the creation, highlighting the purpose.

they were formulated

Suggests a more systematic and methodical approach to creation, often used in formal contexts.

they were developed

Focuses on the process of growth and refinement involved in bringing something into existence.

they were invented

Implies originality and ingenuity in the creation of something new.

they were established

Highlights the act of setting something up or bringing it into being.

they were conceived

Focuses on the initial idea or plan from which something originated.

they were instituted

Implies a formal introduction or establishment of something.

they were arranged

Highlights the organization or structuring aspect of the creation.

they were constructed

Emphasizes the building or assembling of something from different parts.

FAQs

How can I use "they were devised" in a sentence?

You can use "they were devised" to describe how certain rules, methods, or plans came into existence. For example, "The safety regulations "they were devised" to protect workers from potential hazards."

What is a more informal alternative to "they were devised"?

In more casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "they were created", "they were made up", or "they were planned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "they were devised" and "they were designed"?

"They were devised" implies a more strategic and thoughtful planning process, often associated with problem-solving or creating systems. "They were designed", on the other hand, focuses more on the aesthetic and functional aspects of the creation, although they can be interchangeable.

Is "they were devised" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "they were devised" is perfectly acceptable and often preferred in academic writing, especially when discussing methodologies, theories, or experimental setups. It conveys a sense of deliberate creation and careful planning.