a brilliant scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a plan or idea that is clever, innovative, or particularly effective. Example: "The team presented a brilliant scheme to improve our marketing strategy, which impressed the board members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What a brilliant scheme for finally, irrevocably, impoverishing the left.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, in defense of his peace of mind and insular way of life, Mr. Schubert has contrived a brilliant scheme.

The New York Times

It is a brilliant scheme, and Schrager and his partner, Aby Rosen, are building it pretty much as the architects designed it.

The New Yorker

Deval Patrick, the Governor of Massachusetts, however, has formulated a brilliant scheme to prevent future subprime crises from striking his state.

The Economist

It's a brilliant scheme giving free books to every single baby in the country and is an excellent introduction to books and reading from the earliest days.

The Guardian

Maya Lin was an undergraduate architecture student who created a brilliant scheme that won out over hundreds of other entries, some from well-known designers; she got it built, and it succeeded beyond anyone's imagination.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He is not just a brilliant schemer like Odysseus, who simply wishes to return home after years of war and is buffeted by the tricks of gods and Fates and men.

The New York Times - Arts

Madame Chiang emerges as more than just her husband's wife; we see a brilliant, scheming, deliberately alluring, brave, corrupt chameleon of a woman who was Chiang's main weapon in playing the Americans for nearly all they were worth.

The New York Times - Books

The difference is that Cafe Tacuba's shows seem like reports of a worked-out philosophy; Beck, in contrast, is a brilliant schemer who hasn't found his final thesis.

The New York Times - Arts

(It's a handy comparison, since Beck has used American folklore in his own work, and he toured with Cafe Tacuba early this year). The difference is that Cafe Tacuba's shows seem like reports of a worked-out philosophy; Beck, in contrast, is a brilliant schemer who hasn't found his final thesis.

The New York Times - Arts

Simon isn't stupid even if he isn't a brilliant schemer.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a plan or strategy, use "a brilliant scheme" to emphasize its cleverness and potential for success.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant scheme" for everyday plans or ideas. Reserve it for plans that are truly innovative or exceptionally well-thought-out to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant scheme" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "brilliant" modifies the noun "scheme", indicating that the scheme is exceptionally clever or effective. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is used to describe plans that are innovative and well-conceived.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brilliant scheme" is used to describe an exceptionally clever or effective plan. Grammatically correct, Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Alternatives include "an ingenious plan" or "a clever strategy". Reserve this phrase for truly innovative plans to maintain its impact. It's suitable for expressing admiration and respect for the ingenuity of a proposed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious plan

Focuses on the clever and inventive nature of the plan, similar to "brilliant" but emphasizing inventiveness.

a clever strategy

Highlights the strategic and tactical aspect, implying intelligence in planning.

a smart tactic

Emphasizes the quick-thinking and practical nature of the approach.

an inspired idea

Stresses the creative and imaginative origin of the idea.

a masterful design

Highlights expertise and skill in creating the scheme.

a stroke of genius

Implies a sudden, brilliant idea that is highly effective.

a remarkable concept

Focuses on the noteworthy and exceptional quality of the idea.

an outstanding project

Highlights the excellence and superior quality of the project.

a visionary approach

Emphasizes the innovative and forward-thinking nature of the approach.

a groundbreaking method

Highlights the revolutionary and innovative aspect of the method.

FAQs

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

Use "a brilliant scheme" to describe a plan or idea that is exceptionally clever and likely to succeed. For example, "The entrepreneur devised "a brilliant scheme" to revolutionize the industry".

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant scheme"?

Alternatives include "an ingenious plan", "a clever strategy", or "a stroke of genius", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a brilliant scheme"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the intelligence, creativity, and potential effectiveness of a plan or idea. Ensure the context warrants such a strong endorsement.

Is "brilliant scheme" formal or informal?

While not overly formal, "brilliant scheme" is suitable for most professional and academic contexts. It conveys admiration and respect for the ingenuity of the plan.