we could devise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we could devise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting the possibility of creating or planning something collaboratively. Example: "If we work together, we could devise a new strategy to improve our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Next we cut the text down from 228 pages to 40, to make a working script from which we could devise staging solutions.

The Guardian

The most effective anti-poverty program we could devise for the long run would have less to do with income redistribution than with ensuring that poor kids get a first-rate education, from preschool on.

The New York Times

The mutability of place had dishonored the federal Govt. and would require as strong a cure as we could devise.

University of Chicago

One of my students, Steve Cayzer, who unbeknownst to me held a Ph.D. in biological sciences, did a much better job than my average student, and we found that we could devise AIS algorithms that were useful for solving complex data-mining problems.

Science Magazine

What we are collectively doing now and planning to do in the future with xenograft transplants creates the ideal conditions for animal viruses or infections to cross the species barrier into humans and proliferate … Xenotransplants thus represent one of the best experiments we could devise to 'create' new infectious agents.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

We were interested to see whether we could devise an analogous method for the purification of bacterial ribosomes.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We meet more people here in one room in one afternoon than you could devise in a month in the UK".

The Guardian

If someone could devise a scheme that imposed regulations on marijuana similar to what we impose on alcohol or tobacco, the narco-gangs would see billions of dollars of revenues disappear almost overnight.

Huffington Post

He wanted as quick a kill as he could devise.

The Guardian - Sport

Who could devise, much less enact, such a barbaric sentence?

The New York Times - Books

The drafts of treaties agreed upon are not the nest which human wit could devise.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we could devise" when you want to express a collaborative ability or potential to create a plan or solution, particularly in scenarios where exploring possibilities is key.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on conditional phrases like "we could devise" as it can make your writing sound hesitant. Balance it with more assertive statements to project confidence in your proposed solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we could devise" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a potential or conditional ability to create or plan something. It is frequently used to suggest possible solutions or strategies, aligning with Ludwig AI's affirmation of its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we could devise" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates a potential for collaborative creation or planning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing possibilities and encouraging brainstorming across various contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to professional, it maintains broad applicability. Alternatives like "we might create" or "we can formulate" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Remember to use "we could devise" when you want to highlight collaborative potential and explore possible solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might create

Suggests a possibility with less certainty than "could".

we can formulate

Emphasizes the ability to create, suggesting a more active role.

we may develop

Highlights the process of development, implying a gradual creation.

we are able to construct

A more formal and emphatic way of stating the ability to build or create something.

we have the capacity to invent

Focuses on the inherent capability to invent, suggesting originality.

we will design

Indicates a future intention to create a design.

we shall originate

A more formal way of saying that something will be started or created.

we intend to establish

Suggests a plan to set up or establish something new.

we aim to pioneer

Highlights the goal of being the first to create or develop something.

we're going to produce

A more informal way of stating that something will be made or created.

FAQs

How can I use "we could devise" in a sentence?

"We could devise" is used to suggest a collaborative potential for creating a plan or solution. For example: "If we pool our resources, "we could devise" a more efficient system".

What can I say instead of "we could devise"?

You can use alternatives like "we might create", "we can formulate", or "we may develop" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we could devise"?

Use "we could devise" when you want to emphasize the potential for collaborative creation or planning. It's suitable in situations where exploring possibilities is essential.

Is "we could devise" formal or informal?

"We could devise" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "we are able to construct" may be preferred in highly formal settings.