a convoluted scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a convoluted scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a plan or system that is complex and difficult to understand, often implying that it is unnecessarily complicated. Example: "The detective uncovered a convoluted scheme that involved multiple parties and hidden agendas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I think organized religion can be the vehicle for many a convoluted scheme.

The New Yorker

FEW phrases in British politics are more radioactive than "Private Finance Initiative" (PFI), a convoluted scheme under which government pays private firms to carry out work on its behalf.

The Economist

In a convoluted scheme to help Wallace, Veronica sets up Logan by placing a bong in his locker.

Wikipedia

"I don't see the need for ISIS to embark on such a convoluted scheme to carry out attacks or be a threat in the West,"  Reinoud Leenders, associate professor in international relations and Middle East studies at King's College London, told The Los Angeles Times.

Huffington Post

Instead of validating the common sense and reformist demands of ordinary Americans and identifying the insurance, drug, and corporate elites as the obstacles to real reform, too many of our liberal leaders from President Obama on down hope to co-opt business elites with a convoluted scheme that undermines the efficiencies of a comprehensive and universal system.

Huffington Post

"I don't see the need for ISIS to embark on such a convoluted scheme to carry out attacks or be a threat in the West," said Reinoud Leenders, associate professor in international relations and Middle East studies at King's College London's Department of War Studies, referring to the militant group by an acronym.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's harder and more complex than any convoluted scheme that Vladimir Putin can conjure.

Huffington Post

Orr has also proposed a similarly convoluted scheme in which he wants to lease Detroit's water department to the suburbs.

Vice

Using these rationales, Wilson and his allies came up with a remarkably convoluted scheme to deregulate California's electric power system, moving away from utility generation and long-term power contracts to a spot market in which power would purchased daily.

Huffington Post

But instead of simply requesting that Congress add an additional justice or two, Roosevelt's convoluted scheme fooled no one and ultimately sank under its own weight.

The New York Times

Think about the trade-offs going through the minds of the congressmen who cooked up this convoluted scheme.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a plan as "a convoluted scheme", ensure that the context clearly illustrates the complexity and potential for confusion. Provide specific examples to highlight the intricate or unnecessarily complicated nature of the plan.

Common error

Avoid using "a convoluted scheme" as a generic descriptor of any plan. Instead, reserve it for situations where the plan's complexity is a central point and can be illustrated with concrete details. If the plan is merely complex, consider using "a complex plan" instead /s/a+complex+plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a convoluted scheme" functions as a noun phrase, where "convoluted" is an adjective modifying the noun "scheme". It describes the nature of the scheme, indicating that it is complex and difficult to follow. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a convoluted scheme" is a valid and understandable English phrase used to describe a plan or system that is unnecessarily complex and difficult to follow. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and understandable.

While the phrase isn't extremely common, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and can be a useful way to highlight the intricacy and potential issues of a particular plan. When employing this phrase, ensure that the surrounding text clarifies the nature of the complexity. If the plan is simply complex, consider using alternative phrases like "a complex plan" or "an intricate design".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex plan

This alternative uses 'complex' instead of 'convoluted', indicating intricacy without necessarily implying negative complications.

an intricate design

Replaces 'scheme' with 'design', focusing on the detailed and elaborate nature of something planned or created.

an elaborate strategy

Substitutes 'scheme' with 'strategy', suggesting a carefully planned and detailed approach, often for achieving a specific goal.

a tangled web

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest a confusing and interwoven situation or plan.

a knotty problem

Focuses on the difficulty and complexity of a problem that requires careful untangling.

a labyrinthine arrangement

Uses 'labyrinthine' to convey a sense of being maze-like and difficult to navigate or understand.

a Byzantine system

Employs 'Byzantine' to describe a system that is excessively complicated and typically involving a great deal of administrative detail.

a tortuous process

Emphasizes the long, complicated, and often painful nature of a process or procedure.

a bewildering setup

Highlights the confusing and disorienting nature of a particular arrangement or system.

a sophisticated operation

Implies complexity coupled with skill and cleverness in the execution of a plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "a convoluted scheme" to describe plans or systems that are unnecessarily complex and difficult to understand. For example, "The detective uncovered a convoluted scheme involving multiple parties and hidden agendas."

What's the difference between "a convoluted scheme" and "a complex plan"?

"A convoluted scheme" implies unnecessary complexity and potential confusion, while "a complex plan" simply suggests intricacy without necessarily implying a negative aspect.

What are some alternatives to "a convoluted scheme"?

You can use alternatives like "an intricate design", "a tangled web", or "a Byzantine system" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a convoluted scheme" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a plan or system is not only complex but also unnecessarily complicated and likely to cause confusion or difficulty.