devise a scheme to

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "devise a scheme to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are proposing an idea for a plan of action to reach a certain goal. For example: "Let's devise a scheme to increase our company's market share in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Luckily, Edward's friends devise a scheme to scrape together his tuition money.

The New York Times

Academics and officials in Beijing are now trying to devise a scheme to provide old-age security in the countryside.

The Economist

Branson has hired Kammen and Daniel Prull, one of his graduate students, to devise a scheme to eliminate carbon emissions on Necker.

The New Yorker

The participants were asked to devise a scheme to make the world a better place, prompting Mr Agassi to cook up his electric-car plan.

The Economist

The small han then followed suit, and Kido helped devise a scheme to redivide the country into prefectures to be governed by officials appointed by the central administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A good one can play in cold weather, stop a Pro Bowler like Faulk or devise a scheme to slow a great wide receiver like Isaac Bruce.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is devising a scheme to make them more transparent.

The Economist

But Mavis is actually a mess, so she devises a scheme to ensure triumph.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rajaratnam also devised a scheme to hide the arrangement from McKinsey.

The New York Times

So he devised a scheme to soft-pedal the racial transformation of Christ.

The New York Times

There, he and his colleagues devised a scheme to marry photolithography, a technology used in semiconductor fabrication, to combinatorial chemistry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devise a scheme to", ensure the scheme is well-defined and feasible. Clearly outline the steps and resources required for successful implementation.

Common error

Avoid creating schemes that are overly complex or convoluted. Simplicity and clarity enhance the likelihood of successful execution. Ensure all stakeholders can easily understand and contribute to the plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devise a scheme to" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It introduces the intention behind an action, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig, where individuals or groups aim to achieve a specific goal through a planned method.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devise a scheme to" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the intention of creating a plan to achieve a particular goal. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While the word "scheme" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, the examples from Ludwig indicate that the phrase is frequently used in neutral or even positive contexts across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure the plan's steps are well-defined and avoid unnecessary complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a plan to

Focuses on the planning aspect, emphasizing the structured creation of a plan.

develop a strategy for

Highlights the strategic element, suggesting a broader, more comprehensive approach.

create a method to

Emphasizes the creation of a specific method or process.

establish a system for

Suggests setting up a structured system to achieve a goal.

design a plan for

Focuses on the design aspect, indicating a well-thought-out plan.

construct a framework for

Emphasizes building a foundational structure to support a plan.

invent a way to

Implies ingenuity and creativity in finding a solution or plan.

conceive a strategy to

Highlights the mental process of formulating a plan or strategy.

work out a plan for

Focuses on the detailed working and refinement of a plan.

put together a scheme for

Suggests assembling the different components of a plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "devise a scheme to" to describe the process of creating a plan to achieve a specific goal. For example, "The team had to devise a scheme to increase sales before the end of the quarter".

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

Alternatives include "formulate a plan to", "develop a strategy for", or "create a method to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "devise a scheme to" or "develop a plan to" in a formal setting?

"Develop a plan to" is generally more appropriate in formal settings as "scheme" can sometimes have negative connotations. However, "devise a scheme to" is acceptable when the context is neutral or positive.

What's the difference between "devise a scheme to" and "design a solution for"?

"Devise a scheme to" implies creating a plan or method, while "design a solution for" focuses on creating a fix or resolution to a problem. The former is broader in scope and not necessarily problem-focused, while the latter is specifically aimed at addressing an issue.