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Prepositions after devise

Using devise with prepositions

Devise is commonly used with for when something is created for a purpose or user. By and in usually belong to passive or context phrases rather than fixed combinations.

Quick answer

Best patterns with devise

Use devise for to show purpose or intended users. In often introduces a field or context, while by usually appears in passive structures to name the creator.

Engineers devised for emergency situations a simple backup system.
The strategy was devised by experienced consultants.
A new method was devised in the laboratory.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
devise for + purpose/user

Creating something for a need or group

For introduces the intended purpose, use, or audience.

They devised for children a simplified training programme.
The tool was devised for remote workers.
2
devised by + creator

Naming the person or group that created something

By is common in passive structures.

The system was devised by local engineers.
The rules were devised by an independent panel.
3
devised in + place/field

Showing where something was created

In introduces a place, field, or context.

The process was devised in a university lab.
Several solutions were devised in response to the crisis.
4
devise a plan

Using devise without a preposition

Devise often takes a direct object with no following preposition.

They hope to devise a better pricing model.
Scientists are trying to devise a faster test.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
devise for
The software was devised for small businesses.
shows intended purpose or user
devised by
The formula was devised by a mathematician.
names the creator in passive voice
devised in
The technique was devised in France.
shows place or context of creation
devise by
They solved the issue by devising a new process.
by is usually part of another structure, not a direct partner after devise

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using devise by as a fixed active pattern

By usually appears in passive structures such as devised by someone.

✕ They devised by experts a new system. ✓ The new system was devised by experts.

Forgetting the direct object

Devise normally needs an object.

✕ The team devised for schools. ✓ The team devised a programme for schools.

Confusing for with in

For shows purpose; in shows location or context.

✕ The app was devised in students. ✓ The app was devised for students.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The platform was devised ___ teachers working online.
2. The method was devised ___ a team of scientists.
3. The solution was devised ___ a research centre in Berlin.

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Frequently asked questions

Is devise for correct?

Yes. It is natural when you mention the purpose or intended user.

Can I say devised by?

Yes. This is common in passive sentences that identify the creator.

Does devise always need a preposition?

No. Devise often takes a direct object, such as devise a strategy or devise a plan.

dabble, in, dabble, with "damage to" or "damage by"? dance to, with, on, in or for? "dangle from" or "dangle in"? dare to, for, on, as or at? dash to, into, out, from or on? daydream about, for, in, of or on? "debate in", "debate on" or "debate with"? deceive by, in, into, on or about? "decide on", "decide to" or "decide by"? declare in, by, on, to or as? decline in, by, from, to or for?

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