Have you ever been unsure if you should use the word “devised” or “divised” in your writing? It can be a tricky decision, as both words sound very similar. However, the proper word to use is “devised.”
“Devised” is a verb that means to create, plan, or invent something. It is often used in reference to a well-thought-out plan or strategy. On the other hand, “divised” is not a proper word in the English language, and should not be used in any formal writing.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of how to use “devised” correctly in various contexts.
Define Devised
Devised is a verb that means to plan, invent, or create something new. It is often used in the context of developing a strategy, system, or solution to a problem. The word is commonly associated with the idea of using one’s intellect, creativity, and expertise to come up with a novel idea or approach.
For example, a team of engineers may devise a new technology to improve the efficiency of a manufacturing process. A marketing department may devise a new advertising campaign to promote a product. A writer may devise a plot for a novel or a screenplay.
Define Divised
Divised is not a commonly used word in the English language. It is possible that it is a misspelling of the word “devised,” which has a similar pronunciation. However, if we assume that divised is a word in its own right, it may be related to the verb “divise,” which means to divide or distribute something.
In legal contexts, the term “divise” is used to refer to a gift of real property by will. In this case, the property is divided among the beneficiaries according to the instructions of the testator. It is possible that divised could be a variation of this term, but without further context, it is difficult to determine its meaning.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper usage of words is crucial in effective communication. One common source of confusion is the difference between “devised” and “divised”. In this section, we will explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Devised” In A Sentence
“Devised” is a verb that means to plan or invent a strategy or system. It is often used in the context of creating something new or coming up with a solution to a problem. Here are some examples of how to use “devised” correctly:
- The team devised a new marketing strategy to increase sales.
- She devised a plan to save money for her dream vacation.
- He devised a clever way to solve the puzzle.
As you can see from these examples, “devised” is used to indicate the creation of something new or the development of a plan or strategy.
How To Use “Divised” In A Sentence
“Divised” is not a word in the English language. It is likely a misspelling of “devised”. It is important to always double-check the spelling of words before using them in a sentence to avoid confusion or errors in communication.
In conclusion, it is crucial to use words correctly in order to effectively communicate your ideas. “Devised” is a verb that means to plan or invent a strategy or system, while “divised” is not a word in the English language. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use these words in your writing and speech.
More Examples Of Devised & Divised Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the difference between “devised” and “divised,” let’s take a look at some examples of how each word is used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Devised In A Sentence
- The team devised a new strategy to increase sales.
- She devised a plan to save money for her dream vacation.
- He devised a clever way to solve the problem.
- The company devised a new product that revolutionized the industry.
- They devised a system to streamline the workflow.
- The engineer devised a solution to fix the broken machine.
- The chef devised a unique recipe that became a customer favorite.
- The artist devised a new technique to create stunning paintings.
- The scientist devised an experiment to test the hypothesis.
- The teacher devised a fun activity to engage the students.
Examples Of Using Divised In A Sentence
- Sorry, but “divised” is not a word in the English language.
- No examples can be provided for “divised.”
- Please make sure to use the correct word, “devised,” in your writing.
- Remember that using incorrect spelling can negatively impact the credibility of your work.
- Always double-check your spelling and grammar before submitting any written content.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words correctly, it’s easy to make mistakes. One common mistake that people make is using the words “devised” and “divised” interchangeably. However, these words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other.
Why They Are Incorrect
The word “devised” is a verb that means to create or invent something. On the other hand, “divised” is not a word in the English language. It is a misspelling of “devised” that is often used incorrectly.
Using “divised” instead of “devised” can make your writing seem unprofessional and can cause confusion for your readers. It’s important to use the correct word to convey your intended meaning and to avoid any misunderstandings.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid making the mistake of using “divised” instead of “devised,” it’s important to proofread your writing carefully. Look for any misspellings or incorrect word usage and make corrections as necessary.
You can also use a spell-check tool to help catch any errors. However, keep in mind that these tools are not always accurate and may not catch all mistakes.
Another helpful tip is to expand your vocabulary and become familiar with the correct usage of commonly confused words. This can help you avoid making mistakes in the future and improve the overall quality of your writing.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “devised” and “divised,” context is key. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific context in which the word is being used. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “devised” and “divised” might vary.
Legal Context
In a legal context, the choice between “devised” and “divised” can have significant implications. “Devised” is the correct term to use when referring to the act of leaving property to someone in a will. For example, “The late Mr. Smith devised his estate to his son.” Using “divised” in this context would be incorrect and could potentially cause confusion or legal issues.
On the other hand, “divised” can be used in a legal context when referring to the act of distributing property or assets among multiple parties. For example, “The estate was divised among the three heirs.” In this case, using “devised” would be incorrect and could lead to misunderstandings.
Technical Context
In a technical context, the choice between “devised” and “divised” can also vary. “Devised” is the correct term to use when referring to the creation or development of a plan, system, or solution. For example, “The engineers devised a new system for reducing energy consumption.” Using “divised” in this context would be incorrect and could indicate a lack of technical knowledge.
However, “divised” can be used in a technical context when referring to the process of dividing something into smaller parts or sections. For example, “The software divised the data into separate categories.” In this case, using “devised” would be incorrect and could lead to confusion.
General Context
In general, the choice between “devised” and “divised” can depend on the specific context and the intended meaning. It’s important to consider the context and the audience when choosing which word to use.
| Context | Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | “The late Mr. Smith devised his estate to his son.” | “The estate was divised to the late Mr. Smith’s son.” |
| Technical | “The engineers devised a new system for reducing energy consumption.” | “The software divised a new system for reducing energy consumption.” |
| General | “She devised a plan to increase sales.” | “She divised a plan to increase sales.” |
Overall, the choice between “devised” and “divised” can depend on the specific context and the intended meaning. It’s important to use the correct term to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “devised” and “divised” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that should be noted. Here are a few cases where the rules may not apply:
1. Regional Variations
It’s worth noting that the usage of “devised” and “divised” can vary depending on the region. For example, in some parts of the United States, “divised” is commonly used instead of “devised.” In these cases, it’s important to be aware of the local dialect and adjust your language accordingly.
2. Creative Writing
In creative writing, authors may choose to use “divised” instead of “devised” to create a specific tone or voice. For example, a character in a novel who speaks in a certain dialect may use “divised” instead of “devised” to reflect their unique way of speaking. In these cases, it’s important to consider the context and purpose of the writing.
3. Historical Context
In some cases, the historical context of a piece of writing may influence the usage of “devised” or “divised.” For example, if you are writing about a historical figure who lived in a time when “divised” was more commonly used, it may be appropriate to use that term to reflect the language of the time period.
4. Technical Writing
In technical writing, the rules for using “devised” and “divised” may be more flexible. For example, if a specific term or phrase has been established within a particular industry or field, it may be acceptable to use “divised” instead of “devised” if that is the accepted terminology.
Overall, while the rules for using “devised” and “divised” are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of any exceptions that may apply in certain situations. By understanding these exceptions, you can use these terms correctly and effectively in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have explored the differences between “devised” and “divised,” it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence:
| Sentence | Word Choices |
|---|---|
| The team _______ a new strategy to increase sales. | devised, divised |
| She _______ a plan to save money for her vacation. | devised, divised |
| The company _______ a new product that will launch next month. | devised, divised |
| He _______ a scheme to cheat on the exam. | devised, divised |
| The teacher _______ a lesson plan for the week. | devised, divised |
Answer Key:
- The team devised a new strategy to increase sales.
- She devised a plan to save money for her vacation.
- The company devised a new product that will launch next month.
- He divised a scheme to cheat on the exam.
- The teacher devised a lesson plan for the week.
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite each sentence using the opposite word of the one provided:
- The team devised a new marketing campaign.
- She divised a plan to get out of work early.
- The company divised a plan to cut costs.
Answer Key:
- The team divised a new marketing campaign.
- She devised a plan to get out of work early.
- The company devised a plan to cut costs.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “devised” and “divised” in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proper usage of words in the English language is crucial to effective communication. The difference between “devised” and “divised” may seem insignificant, but it can greatly impact the clarity and credibility of your writing. Remember that “devised” is the correct spelling of the word, meaning to plan or invent something, while “divised” is an incorrect variation.
It is important to always proofread your writing and verify the spelling and usage of words to avoid errors and confusion. By doing so, you can ensure that your message is conveyed accurately and professionally.
Key Takeaways
- The correct spelling of the word is “devised,” not “divised.”
- The word “devised” means to plan or invent something.
- Proper grammar and language use are crucial to effective communication.
- Proofreading and verifying spelling and usage can help avoid errors and confusion.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and enhance your ability to communicate effectively in any situation.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.