In the scheme of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the scheme of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the context or framework within which something is being considered or evaluated. Example: "In the scheme of things, this minor setback is not as significant as it seems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"In the scheme of things".

The New Yorker

In the scheme of things, it's not too bad.

The New York Times - Sports

In the scheme of things, it was a small reversal.

The New Yorker

In the scheme of things, a chicken blends in.

The New York Times - Food

"In the scheme of things, who is Bishop Tutu?

The New York Times

"In the scheme of drugs, these are pretty heavy drugs".

The New York Times

"In the scheme of things, a haircut sounds kind of ridiculous," Mr. Field said.

The New York Times

"In the scheme of what is spent on international security at present, it is paltry.

The Guardian

In the scheme of things, she feels much more sorry for Jennifer Aniston.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This is a minor blip in the scheme [of things].

Huffington Post

In the scheme of things the inconveniences and disappointment she endured were arguably minor.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the scheme of things" to provide context and perspective, helping your audience understand the relative importance of a particular detail or event. For example, "In the scheme of things, a missed deadline is less critical than a compromise in product quality."

Common error

While "in the scheme of things" is generally acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "overall" or "in general" for everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the scheme of things" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to provide context and indicate the relative importance or significance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the scheme of things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to provide context and perspective. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is particularly common in news and media, offering a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing scenarios. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively employ this phrase to convey relative importance and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the context of

Focuses on the specific circumstances surrounding an event or situation.

in light of

Emphasizes consideration of new information or understanding.

considering

Highlights the act of taking something into account.

taking into account

Stresses the inclusion of specific factors in an evaluation.

from the perspective of

Highlights a particular viewpoint or angle.

relative to

Indicates a comparison or relationship between two things.

when compared to

Explicitly draws a comparison to establish scale or importance.

on the scale of

Emphasizes the magnitude or scope of something.

within the framework of

Highlights the system or structure in which something exists.

in relation to

Points out a connection or association between items.

FAQs

How can I use "in the scheme of things" in a sentence?

Use "in the scheme of things" to show the relative importance or context of something. For example, "In the scheme of things, this delay is minor."

What phrases are similar to "in the scheme of things"?

Similar phrases include "in the context of", "considering", or "taking into account".

Is it always appropriate to use "in the scheme of things"?

While generally correct, "in the scheme of things" may sound overly formal in very casual settings. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing.

How does "in the scheme of things" differ from "in general"?

"In general" refers to a broad overview, while "in the scheme of things" specifically places something within a larger context to assess its relative significance.