devise a plan
/dɪˈvaɪz ə plæn/
Meaning
To devise a plan means to invent, design, or formulate a creative or strategic method to achieve a specific goal or solve a complex problem. It implies careful thought, planning, and ingenuity. The tone is professional and proactive, focusing on problem-solving.
Examples
-
We need to devise a plan to increase our market share in Europe over the next fiscal year.
We need to devise a plan to increase our market share in Europe over the next fiscal year.
-
The marketing team met to devise a plan for the upcoming product launch.
The marketing team met to devise a plan for the upcoming product launch.
-
She managed to devise a plan that cut operational costs by fifteen percent.
She managed to devise a plan that cut operational costs by fifteen percent.
-
Before we approach the investors, we must devise a plan to handle potential objections.
Before we approach the investors, we must devise a plan to handle potential objections.
-
It took several brainstorming sessions to devise a plan that satisfied all stakeholders.
It took several brainstorming sessions to devise a plan that satisfied all stakeholders.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ The committee will divide a plan to solve the crisis.
✓ The committee will devise a plan to solve the crisis.
English learners often confuse the verb 'devise' (to invent/plan) with 'divide' (to split into parts) due to similar spelling and pronunciation.
-
✗ We need to invent a plan for the weekend marketing campaign.
✓ We need to devise a plan for the weekend marketing campaign.
While 'invent' means to create something new, it is not the natural collocation for a strategy or business plan. 'Devise' is the correct professional term.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
The management team is working hard to ___ to recover from the recent financial losses.
💡 To design or formulate a strategy.
Show answer
devise a plan
-
If we want this startup to succeed, we have to ___ that sets us apart from competitors.
💡 Create a strategic method.
Show answer
devise a plan