a scheme to deceive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scheme to deceive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing plans or actions intended to mislead or trick someone. Example: "The investigation revealed a scheme to deceive investors, leading to significant financial losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is an excuse for postponing and resisting reunification, as well as a scheme to deceive compatriots in Taiwan and world opinion...

The New York Times

Justice Department Plans Fraud Claims Against Money Manager in Wireless Auctions The Justice Department announced that it planned to pursue civil fraud claims against the famed money manager Mario Gabelli, contending that he orchestrated a scheme to deceive the Federal Communications Commission in its auctions of wireless spectrum several years ago.

The New York Times

With his fellow defendant, the Enron founder Kenneth L. Lay, looking on and nodding and smiling, Mr. Skilling began his risky attempt to rebut charges that he orchestrated a scheme to deceive Enron's investors, while making millions of dollars from selling company stock when he knew the company was in deep financial straits.

The New York Times

In 2006, US District Court Judge Gladys Kessler ruled that the tobacco industry's campaign to "maximize industry profits by preserving and expanding the market for cigarettes through a scheme to deceive the public" about the health hazards of smoking amounted to a racketeering enterprise.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

From October 2009, prosecutors allege that Hussain, together with others, "engaged in a fraudulent scheme to deceive" investors in Autonomy.

The Guardian - Business

However, environmentalists argue that the plan is feeble, does not close the loophole that allows these vehicles to consume more petrol than cars and would not cut oil imports.The Securities and Exchange Commission brought a civil lawsuit against two former executives of Bristol-Myers Squibb, accusing the pair of concocting a $1.5 billion scheme to deceive investors over the firm's performance.

The Economist

[C3.] Two Former Bristol-Myers Executives Are Sued Two former executives of Bristol-Myers Squindictedvionsly indicriminalconspiracyonspirand and securities fraud charges, were sued by federal regulators who accused them of civil fraud in orchestrating a $1.5 billion scheme to deceive investors about the company's performance.

The New York Times

Cuomo, a Democrat, would sue United Health "the largest U.S. health insurer, over practices that limit payments to customers by claiming their medical charges were unreasonably high.... 'This is an industrywide investigation because we believe there was an industrywide scheme to deceive and defraud customers,' Cuomo said".

Huffington Post

Cabrera, who tested positive for excessive levels of testosterone this season, dropped an appeal of the suspension after investigators for baseball uncovered evidence that an employee for the Levinsons had hatched a cover-up scheme to deceive an arbitrator about whether Cabrera had used a banned substance.

The New York Times - Sports

Until now, Mr. Farkas, 58, was the only person charged in what the government said was an extensive scheme to deceive financial firms and the Troubled Asset Relief Program by covering up shortfalls at Taylor, Bean & Whitaker, according to the S.E.C.

The New York Times

Tennyson's poem addresses only this tragic romantic aspect of the character and not the resolution offered in Shakespeare's comedy, where Mariana marries her difficult lover after taking part in an elaborate scheme to deceive him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex fraudulent activities, use "a scheme to deceive" to clearly convey the intent of misleading others for illicit purposes.

Common error

Avoid using "a scheme to deceive" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler terms like "trick" or "lie" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scheme to deceive" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a plan or arrangement designed to mislead or trick someone. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules. Examples show its use in describing fraudulent activities and deceptive campaigns.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scheme to deceive" is a noun phrase that describes a plan designed to mislead or trick. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and media sources. While its primary function is to expose deceptive practices, its neutral register makes it suitable for formal contexts. Although its frequency is rare, understanding its usage is crucial for recognizing and condemning deceptive behaviors. The alternative phrases include "a deceptive strategy" or "a fraudulent plot".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deceitful plan

Replaces 'scheme' with 'plan' and 'deceive' with 'deceitful', keeping the core meaning intact.

a deceptive strategy

Replaces 'scheme' with 'strategy', emphasizing the planning aspect of deception.

a fraudulent plot

Substitutes 'scheme' with 'plot' and 'deceive' with 'fraudulent', highlighting the deceitful and illegal nature.

a stratagem for deception

Replaces 'scheme' with 'stratagem', suggesting a more elaborate and carefully designed plan for deception.

a ploy to mislead

Changes 'scheme' to 'ploy' and 'deceive' to 'mislead', focusing on the intention to guide someone incorrectly.

a subterfuge designed to dupe

Replaces 'scheme' with 'subterfuge' and 'deceive' with 'dupe', intensifying the sense of hidden action and manipulation.

a ruse intended to trick

Employs 'ruse' instead of 'scheme' and specifies the intent to 'trick', adding a layer of cunning.

a contrivance to fool

Uses 'contrivance' to indicate a fabricated plan and 'fool' as a simpler synonym for deceive.

a manipulation tactic

Replaces both 'scheme' and 'deceive' with terms that highlight the manipulative nature of the plan.

a Machiavellian tactic

Implies that tactic uses cunning, duplicity, or bad faith.

FAQs

How can I use "a scheme to deceive" in a sentence?

You can use "a scheme to deceive" to describe a carefully planned and dishonest plan. For example, "The investigation uncovered "a scheme to deceive" investors."

What are some alternatives to "a scheme to deceive"?

Alternatives include "a deceptive strategy", "a fraudulent plot", or "a deceitful plan", each emphasizing different aspects of the deceptive act.

What's the difference between "a scheme to deceive" and "a conspiracy to defraud"?

"A scheme to deceive" generally refers to a plan to mislead, while "a conspiracy to defraud" implies a coordinated effort by multiple parties to gain something of value through deception. The latter often carries legal implications.

Is "a scheme to deceive" a formal or informal expression?

"A scheme to deceive" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for legal, business, or news contexts. More informal alternatives might be used in casual settings.