Device vs. Devise – How to Use Each Correctly

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Device vs. Devise – What’s the Gist?

Device and Devise are two near homophones in English, which means that they sound similarly but are spelled differently and have different definitions.

  • Device is a noun, typically referring to an electronic item.
  • Devise is a transitive verb that means to act or plan, sometimes having a negative connotation.

By the Way

A transitive verb expresses action and passes that action either to a direct object (active voice) or to a subject (passive voice) in a sentence.

device versus devise

How to Use Device in a Sentence

Device definition: The word device is a noun indicating a thing like a plan or an object, such as, a literary technique or an electronic gadget.

For example:

  • The author used several figures of speech as literary devices. (Noun)
  • When traveling on a plane, passengers are directed to put all electronic devices in airplane mode. (Noun)
  • The new marketing device attracted new customers. (Noun)

If you use device, think of it as a noun that is a thing or idea.

How to Use Devise in a Sentence

Devise definition: The word devise is a verb that indicates a development or implementation of plans or ideas.

For example:

  • He devised a way to get more cookies from his mother. (Past Tense Verb)
  • After the city leaders discussed the problems, they devised a stratagem to improve the neighborhoods. (Past Tense Verb)
  • The student tried to devise a plan to reduce the amount of homework for her classes. (Infinitive)

The word you choose is based on whether you want a noun or a verb. If you are referring to a physical object, use device. If you are expressing action, use devise.

Determining the part of speech you want will help you choose the correct word.

Outside Examples of Device vs. Devise

  • Dispatchers and call takers were hired. A room where alarms from 1,622 schools, hospitals and nursing homes are received was monitored round-the-clock, instead of being unstaffed overnight. Automatic vehicle locator devices were installed in 318 Fire Department vehicles. –Chicago Sun-Times
  • Amazon is one step closer to implementing its creepy, futuristic flesh-and-blood payment system. The e-tailing giant’s engineers on Thursday filed a patent application for a device that can scan a human hand — without ever touching it — as a way to ring up a store purchase. –New York Post
  • My colleagues Jacob Peters, Mary Salcedo, L. Mahadevan and I devised a series of experiments to address that question — which brings us back to intentionally shaking the swarm. –Houston Chronicle
  • UC Irvine announced this week that researchers have developed a more efficient technique for tracking fires. The team of scientists devised an algorithm to forecast the final size of a blaze by, in layman’s terms, crunching numbers. –Orange County Register

Phrases That Use Device and Devise

There are some phrases that use the words device or devise, including:

A mnemonic device: Meaning a memory technique to help with recall.

  • The student developed several mnemonic devices to help with remembering information during the exam.

Left to his own devices: Being alone with one’s own inclinations.

  • Being left to his own devices, the child decided to eat all the candy in the cupboard.

Devise a new approach: Implementing a plan or idea.

  • The company devised a new approach to their marketing strategy.

Devise an escape plan: Developing a plan to flee or exit.

  • The family devised an escape plan in case of an emergency.

How to Remember These Words

There are two different ways to remember the difference between device and devise. First, ask yourself if you want a noun or a verb. Remember, device is a noun and devise is a verb.

The second way is to use a mnemonic device. The letter c in device corresponds with the c in cell phone, which is an electronic device, and is sometimes even called a cellular device.

For example:

  • My new electronic device is my iPhone 11.

Versus

  • He devised a plan to purchase my old iPhone.

Quiz: Device vs. Devise

  • Disregarding the law, the criminals _____ a plot to burglarize the company.
  • The hand-held _____ was dropped, causing the screen to crack.
  • Wanting to add interest to her writing, the author included literary _____ such as figures of speech and plot twists in her story.
  • _____ a strategy to stay up later, the children conspired together.

Article Summary

Is device or devise correct? These two words seem similar, but each one functions as different parts of speech. Device is a noun and devise is a verb. Just ask yourself whether you are expressing a thing (noun) or an action (verb) to determine which word you need.

Quiz Answers

  • Devised.
  • Device.
  • Devices.
  • Devising.