were devised for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were devised for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something was created or designed for a specific purpose or intention. Example: The new gardening tools were devised for easy use by people with disabilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Banquet-hall-size meeting rooms were devised for Soviet apparatchiks.

The New York Times - Arts

Similar storylines were devised for Kimberley and Frances.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Seemingly within minutes, plans were devised for an album, with producers including Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.

The New York Times - Arts

Many variations of thin shells were devised for use in industrial buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As demand grew, however, new methods were devised for evaluating the potential of underground rock formations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No new methods of lighting, however, were devised for stage lighting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Detailed country programmes have been devised for Iraq, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Albania and Ukraine.

The Guardian

Eric Bederman, a spokesman for the housing department, said the code was devised for residents' safety.

The New York Times

Free-style swimming is devised for movement through an alien element.

The New York Times - Arts

Various ingenious induction-heating procedures have been devised for stabilizing zones of greater height.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elegant and powerful methods have also been devised for solving dynamic problems with constraints.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were devised for" when you want to emphasize the ingenuity or inventiveness behind the creation of something for a particular purpose.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "were devised for" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "were made for" or "were designed for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were devised for" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject (often methods, plans, or tools) was created or invented for a specific purpose. Ludwig shows numerous examples across various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were devised for" signifies that something was specifically created or planned for a particular purpose, often with a touch of ingenuity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in written English. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news media, and encyclopedias. While generally appropriate, avoid using "were devised for" in very informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. Considering related phrases like "were designed for" or "were created for" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The usage examples available on Ludwig offer valuable insights into how to effectively integrate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were designed for

Focuses on the intention behind the creation, emphasizing functionality and purpose.

were created for

Highlights the act of creation itself, suitable for scenarios where the origin is key.

were developed for

Suggests a process of evolution or refinement towards a specific end.

were intended for

Emphasizes the original aim or goal in mind during the planning stage.

were fashioned for

Implies a degree of craftsmanship or artistry in the making of something.

were tailored for

Suggests a close fit or adaptation to specific needs or requirements.

were adapted for

Highlights modification to suit a new purpose or environment.

were built for

Emphasizes the structural or foundational aspect of being made for a purpose.

were constructed for

Similar to "were built for" but can suggest a more complex or elaborate process.

were formulated for

Indicates that a plan or strategy was carefully developed for a particular reason.

FAQs

What does "were devised for" mean?

The phrase "were devised for" means that something was planned, invented, or created specifically for a particular purpose or function.

What can I say instead of "were devised for"?

You can use alternatives like "were designed for", "were created for", or "were developed for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "were designed for" or "were devised for"?

Both "were designed for" and "were devised for" are correct. "Were devised for" often implies a clever or inventive approach, while "were designed for" is a more general term for planning and creating something for a specific purpose.

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

Example: "These methods "were devised for" evaluating the potential of underground rock formations."