Devise a scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Devise a scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating a plan or strategy for a specific purpose or goal. Example: "In order to improve our marketing efforts, we need to devise a scheme that targets our audience more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"If I had millions of dollars, I would devise a scheme.

The New Yorker

Luckily, Edward's friends devise a scheme to scrape together his tuition money.

The New York Times

Academics and officials in Beijing are now trying to devise a scheme to provide old-age security in the countryside.

The Economist

"It would probably be impossible to devise a scheme which is completely free from difficulty," he said.

The Guardian

Branson has hired Kammen and Daniel Prull, one of his graduate students, to devise a scheme to eliminate carbon emissions on Necker.

The New Yorker

The participants were asked to devise a scheme to make the world a better place, prompting Mr Agassi to cook up his electric-car plan.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It is devising a scheme to make them more transparent.

The Economist

One summer at a Cape Cod town he devised a scheme.

The New Yorker

But Mavis is actually a mess, so she devises a scheme to ensure triumph.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rajaratnam also devised a scheme to hide the arrangement from McKinsey.

The New York Times

KPMG devised a scheme for an amusement arcade company to avoid paying VAT on its operations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a scheme", ensure the context clarifies whether the scheme is intended for good or ill, as the phrase itself is neutral but can be easily interpreted based on surrounding words.

Common error

While "scheme" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing where "strategy" or "plan" might convey a more professional tone. Consider your audience and the desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a scheme" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the act of creating or formulating a plan, strategy, or method to achieve a particular goal. Ludwig provides several examples showing its application in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a scheme" is a common verb phrase used to describe the act of creating a plan or strategy. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the scheme's intended purpose is clear. Alternatives like "formulate a plan" or "create a strategy" may be more suitable for highly formal settings. Overall, "devise a scheme" is a versatile phrase for describing the creation of a plan of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formulate a plan

Focuses on the structured development of a plan, often implying a methodical approach.

Create a strategy

Emphasizes the strategic nature of the plan, highlighting its goal-oriented aspect.

Develop a strategy

Highlights the progressive creation of the strategy, often involving refinement and adaptation.

Craft a plan

Implies a careful and skillful creation of the plan, suggesting attention to detail.

Concoct a plan

Suggests inventing or creating a plan, sometimes with a hint of ingenuity or secrecy.

Design a system

Refers to creating a structured framework or method, often for a specific purpose.

Establish a process

Focuses on setting up a series of actions or steps to achieve a particular outcome.

Invent a method

Implies creating a new and innovative approach to solving a problem or achieving a goal.

Hatch a plot

Suggests secretly planning something, often with a negative or mischievous connotation.

Cook up a plan

Implies creating a plan quickly and informally, often in response to a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I use "devise a scheme" in a sentence?

You can use "devise a scheme" to describe the act of creating a plan, often one that is somewhat intricate or clever. For example: "The company needed to "devise a scheme" to increase sales during the off-season."

What are some alternatives to "devise a scheme"?

Alternatives include "formulate a plan", "create a strategy", or "develop a strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "devise a scheme" a formal or informal expression?

"Devise a scheme" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. While usable in various contexts, consider "formulate a plan" or "develop a strategy" for more formal settings.

What is the difference between "devise a scheme" and "hatch a plot"?

While both involve creating a plan, "devise a scheme" is neutral and can refer to any plan, whereas "hatch a plot" implies a secret and often malevolent plan.