an ambitious scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a plan or project that is bold, innovative, or requires significant effort and resources to achieve. Example: "The company unveiled an ambitious scheme to revolutionize renewable energy production in urban areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

He followed up with an ambitious scheme to regulate development across the state, but it was withdrawn.

The New York Times

Ministers shelved an ambitious scheme, designed to create electronic patient records for use across the NHS in England, in 2011.

The Guardian

In Berlin, Russell formulated an ambitious scheme of writing two series of books, one on the philosophy of the sciences, the other on social and political questions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he also took to Washington an ambitious scheme for a new Asia Pacific Community which, he hopes, will transform Asia's diplomatic architecture.

The Economist

Under an ambitious scheme, it could be developed to take goods by road and rail between Gwadar and south-west China.

The Economist

Such an ambitious scheme has been achieved before, after the Vietnam war, when western countries welcomed 1.3 million refugees from Indochina.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Her Cleopatra was not necessarily a seductive siren or an ambitious schemer; she was very cute and impertinent – at one moment, she looks around for a place to put her little black parasol, and irreverently decides to stick it in the urn containing Pompey's ashes – the urn that his widow Cornelia had been carrying around until recently, weeping all over the place.

Forbes

It is certainly an extraordinarily ambitious scheme.

The Economist

The BBC may be shutting some services, yet others – exploiting its vast archive, and an equally ambitious scheme to let viewers access the internet through their televisions called Project Canvas – are just getting up speed.

The Guardian

Stories shifted from preexisting conditions and individual mandates to whether Obama had staked his presidency on an overly ambitious scheme that Congress was unlikely to accept (and, inevitably, how much was Emanuel's fault).

The Washington Post

Among the most controversial schemes planned by his government were also a massive freeway system that was planned to be driven through the hearts of historic inner-city suburbs including Glebe and Newtown and an equally ambitious scheme of 'slum clearance' that would have brought about the wholescale destruction of the historic areas of Woolloomooloo and The Rocks.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ambitious scheme", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the scheme ambitious, such as its scale, cost, or potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an ambitious scheme" to describe minor projects or plans that lack significant scope or potential impact; this can diminish the credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious scheme" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it describing various projects and plans. Ludwig AI considers it correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambitious scheme" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a plan or project characterized by its large scale, complexity, or potential impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in diverse contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science & Research sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly justifies the ambition and scope of the described scheme.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grand design

Focuses on the impressive and comprehensive nature of the plan.

a bold initiative

Emphasizes the courage and risk-taking involved in the plan.

an audacious project

Highlights the daring and unconventional nature of the project.

a sweeping reform

Suggests a broad and comprehensive change.

an expansive plan

Indicates the wide scope and reach of the plan.

a far-reaching endeavor

Highlights the significant and lasting impact of the undertaking.

a transformative undertaking

Focuses on the potential for fundamental change.

a comprehensive strategy

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the strategic approach.

a visionary concept

Highlights the innovative and forward-thinking nature of the concept.

an innovative program

Suggests a new and creative approach.

FAQs

What does "an ambitious scheme" mean?

The phrase "an ambitious scheme" refers to a plan or project that is characterized by a high degree of difficulty, a large scale, or a significant potential impact, often requiring considerable effort and resources.

What are some alternatives to saying "an ambitious scheme"?

You can use alternatives like "a grand design", "a bold initiative", or "an audacious project" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

How can I use "an ambitious scheme" in a sentence?

You might say, "The government unveiled "an ambitious scheme" to overhaul the healthcare system" or "The company embarked on "an ambitious scheme" to expand its operations into new markets".

What makes a scheme "ambitious"?

A scheme can be considered "ambitious" due to its large scale, the complexity of its goals, the significant resources required for its implementation, or the potential for far-reaching consequences.