try to devise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to devise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are attempting to create or come up with a plan, idea, or solution. Example: "We need to try to devise a new strategy to improve our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

They're falling over themselves" to try to devise ways to entice customers back.

The New York Times

Both presidents said they would try to devise a common energy policy.

The New York Times

Representatives of several leading football clubs met in 1863 to try to devise a common set of rules for football.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Pullen said that the store would try to devise an alternative to Google before the program ends.

The New York Times

After a public comment period, the commissioners will try to devise final rules and regulations, a process that could take a year or more.

The New York Times - Tech

Still, it is in Doha that the slow-turning wheels of global politics will try to devise plans to both mitigate climate change and adapt to it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Their employers likewise are trying to devise coping strategies.

The New York Times

Engineers and entrepreneurs across the globe are now trying to devise greener desalination.

Yale University

It teaches students to empathize with people before trying to devise solutions to their problems.

The New York Times - Tech

Nevertheless, they have tried to devise a licensing regime to detect and prevent violations.

The New York Times

"We are trying to devise a joint strategy with the Afghan government," Mr Asif said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to devise", ensure that the context clearly indicates an attempt to create or invent something, not just a general effort. For example, "Scientists try to devise new methods" is clearer than "People try to do better".

Common error

Avoid using "try to devise" when a simpler verb like "try to create" or "try to make" would suffice. "Try to devise" is most appropriate when the creation process involves complexity or invention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to devise" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As Ludwig's examples show, it often indicates an attempt to create a plan, strategy, or solution, emphasizing the effort involved in the creative process. It combines the volitional aspect of "try" with the creative action of "devise".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to devise" is a versatile phrase used to describe the attempt to create or formulate something, particularly when the process involves complexity and problem-solving. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts. While suitable for various registers, it leans towards neutral and professional settings, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and business communications. To improve your writing, use "try to devise" when the creation process involves complexity or invention. When a more simple verb like "make" or "create" would work well. Consider alternatives like "attempt to formulate", "seek to develop", or "endeavor to create" for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to formulate

Replaces "try" with "attempt" and "devise" with "formulate", emphasizing a more formal effort to create.

seek to develop

Uses "seek" instead of "try" and "develop" in place of "devise", suggesting a directed effort towards creation.

endeavor to create

Replaces "try" with "endeavor" and "devise" with "create", giving a more formal and earnest tone.

aim to construct

Substitutes "try" with "aim" and "devise" with "construct", focusing on the goal of building or assembling something.

work to invent

Uses "work" in place of "try" and "invent" instead of "devise", emphasizing the effort involved in creating something new.

strive to originate

Replaces "try" with "strive" and "devise" with "originate", highlighting the effort to bring something new into existence.

make an effort to design

Rephrases the original using "make an effort" for "try" and "design" for "devise", emphasizing a deliberate attempt to plan something.

undertake to conceive

Substitutes "try" with "undertake" and "devise" with "conceive", suggesting a serious commitment to developing an idea.

set out to plan

Replaces "try" with "set out" and "devise" with "plan", focusing on the initiation of a deliberate planning process.

experiment to formulate

Uses "experiment" in place of "try", focusing on testing a way to formulate a plan, concept or strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "try to devise" in a sentence?

Use "try to devise" when describing an attempt to create, invent, or plan something, especially when it involves complexity or problem-solving. For example, "The team will "try to devise" a new strategy to address the challenge".

What are some alternatives to "try to devise"?

Alternatives include "attempt to formulate", "seek to develop", or "endeavor to create", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "try to devise" formal or informal?

"Try to devise" is generally considered neutral to formal. While not overly technical, it suggests a deliberate and somewhat sophisticated effort, making it suitable for professional or academic contexts.

When is it best to use "try to devise" over simpler phrases like "try to make"?

Use "try to devise" when the context involves creating something complex or inventive. If the creation is straightforward, simpler alternatives like "try to make" or "try to create" may be more appropriate.