Device vs Devise at a glance
- device
/dɪˈvaɪs/ · noun
A machine or tool made for a particular job, such as a phone or tablet.
- You can stream the show on any device.
- Please switch off all electronic devices during the flight.
- devise
/dɪˈvaɪz/ · verb
To invent or plan a new way of doing something.
- The team devised a clever way to cut costs.
- We need to devise a plan before the deadline.
How to remember it
Same pattern as advice and advise: the c word is the noun and ends in an /s/ sound like 'ice'; the s word is the verb and ends in /z/ like 'wise'.
Common mistakes
Wrong: Scientists have devised a new medical devise.
Right: Scientists have devised a new medical device.
Wrong: We need to device a better system.
Right: We need to devise a better system.
Quick quiz
1.Can I charge my here?
2.The teacher a game to help us learn new words.
3.A smartwatch is a small you wear on your wrist.
Pick the right word for each gap.