a dubious scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dubious scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a plan or proposal that is questionable or likely to be dishonest or untrustworthy. Example: "The investors were hesitant to fund a dubious scheme that promised high returns with little risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, Ms. Norton herself has embarked on several initiatives that have drawn Congressional fire, including a dubious scheme to "outsource" thousands of park service jobs.

The New York Times

REUTERS Insider Trading Case Reveals a Dubious Scheme  |  According to a complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, an employee of Bristol-Myers Squibb did little to cover his tracks when he engaged in an insider trading scheme that generated over $300,000 in profits, Peter J. Henning writes in the White Collar Watch column.

The New York Times

Using a dubious scheme devised by the super PAC and Clinton's campaign lawyer, Correct the Record is openly and explicitly coordinating its activities with the Clinton campaign, claiming the right to do so because it is operating online.

Huffington Post

The Canadian government is also involved in a dubious scheme to privatize the country's ports, which not only makes management of federal trade policy more opaque but also removes a significant site of the country's greenhouse gas emissions from public interest, control, and oversight.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The smart boys of MI5 undertake a highly dubious scheme: they dispatch a beautiful ex-model (Saffron Burrows) to persuade some low-rent London friends from her past to break into the bank and to take her along, so that she can quietly nab the Margaret indecencies and return them to the protection of the Crown.

The New Yorker

Excited by some quick victories over Polish forces, Lenin conceived of a singularly dubious scheme: he would export revolution on the bayonet points of the Red Army.

Britannica

The Singapore government tried to extradite him for trial on charges of involvement in a dubious incentive scheme.

Forbes

Now we've gotten word that Google has launched its own competing service, and is using a dubious advertising scheme to get the word out.

TechCrunch

Because companies couldn't be sure what dubious scheme the government might resort to next, they shied away from long-term investments.

The New Yorker

"Even though Trump's own lawyers thought the IRS would likely find the 'legally dubious' scheme he used to avoid taxes was against the law, the Trump campaign still refuses to release his tax returns," said Christina Reynolds, a spokeswoman for Clinton, in a statement. .

Los Angeles Times

"Even though Trump's own lawyers thought the IRS would likely find the 'legally dubious' scheme he used to avoid taxes was against the law, the Trump campaign still refuses to release his tax returns," said Christina Reynolds, a spokeswoman for Clinton, in a statement.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dubious scheme", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reasons for the doubt or suspicion. Provide specific details or evidence to support your assessment of the scheme's questionable nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a dubious scheme" when describing situations that are merely unconventional or innovative. Reserve this phrase for situations where there is a genuine reason to suspect dishonesty, illegality, or significant risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dubious scheme" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'dubious' modifies the noun 'scheme'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe something questionable or untrustworthy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dubious scheme" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a plan or project that is questionable, suspicious, or untrustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While infrequent in occurrence, it is most commonly found in news and media outlets but the usage is appropriate across different registers. Consider alternatives like "a questionable plan" or "a shady undertaking" to add variety to your writing. When using this phrase, ensure your skepticism is justified and well-supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a questionable plan

Replaces 'dubious' with 'questionable', softening the criticism slightly.

a suspect arrangement

Substitutes 'scheme' with 'arrangement', suggesting a formal but potentially dishonest agreement and 'dubious' with 'suspect'.

a shady undertaking

Employs 'shady' to imply deceit and 'undertaking' for a project or activity.

a fishy strategy

Utilizes 'fishy' to denote suspicion and 'strategy' for a planned series of actions.

a problematic proposal

Replaces 'dubious' with 'problematic', indicating potential issues or challenges.

a risky venture

Focuses on the element of risk associated with the scheme.

an unethical plot

Highlights the moral dimension, suggesting the scheme is not only questionable but also morally wrong.

a deceitful ploy

Emphasizes the element of deception involved in the scheme.

a fraudulent operation

Implies illegal or criminal activity associated with the scheme.

a corrupt practice

Suggests that the scheme involves abuse of power or trust for personal gain.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dubious scheme" to describe a plan or project that appears questionable or untrustworthy, for example: "The company was accused of promoting a dubious scheme to defraud investors."

What are some synonyms for "a dubious scheme"?

Alternatives include "a questionable plan", "a suspect arrangement", or "a shady undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a dubious scheme" formal or informal language?

"A dubious scheme" is considered neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate for both general writing and professional contexts but avoid in very informal speech.

What's the difference between "a dubious scheme" and "a risky scheme"?

"A dubious scheme" implies potential dishonesty or untrustworthiness, while "a risky scheme" simply means that the plan involves a high probability of failure or loss. The former focuses on ethical concerns, and the latter focuses on the potential for negative outcomes.