devised a scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devised a scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of creating or planning a strategy or method for achieving a specific goal. Example: "The team devised a scheme to improve efficiency in the production process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

One summer at a Cape Cod town he devised a scheme.

The New Yorker

KPMG devised a scheme for an amusement arcade company to avoid paying VAT on its operations.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times

It devised a scheme called Taurus that was to dematerialise share certificates and bring in wholly paperless settlement.

The Economist

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

The Economist

During the second world war, Duchamp devised a scheme to transport his artistic materials out of Europe.

The Guardian - Arts

"The defendant devised a scheme to steal the mayor's money just so he could buy that house".

The New York Times

So Jamey Quinn has devised a scheme (of dubious legality) for playing songs he's not technically allowed to.

The New York Times

PricewaterhouseCoopers devised a scheme to enable a rich entrepreneur to avoid capital gains tax on profits of £10.7m.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Deloitte devised a scheme to enable bankers to avoid income tax and national insurance contributions on £91m of bonuses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "scheme" with a more neutral term like "plan" or "strategy" if the context requires a less negatively connotated expression.

Common error

While "devised a scheme" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound manipulative or suspicious. Opt for "developed a strategy" or "formulated a plan" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devised a scheme" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating or inventing a plan. It typically includes a subject (who devised it) and often an object or further description of the scheme. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's often used to describe strategic planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devised a scheme" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the creation of a plan or strategy. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Scientific, Encyclopedic, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral, the word "scheme" can sometimes imply a negative or manipulative intent, so careful consideration of the context is crucial. Alternatives such as "formulated a plan" or "developed a strategy" may be more appropriate in formal or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulated a plan

Emphasizes the systematic and detailed creation of a plan.

crafted a strategy

Highlights the skillful and deliberate construction of a strategy.

developed a strategy

Focuses on the gradual and progressive creation of a strategy.

created a plan

A more general alternative, emphasizing the act of bringing a plan into existence.

concocted a plan

Suggests a plan that is cleverly or inventively made, possibly with a hint of intrigue.

contrived a plan

Implies a plan that is somewhat artificial or forced, often to overcome a difficulty.

originated a plan

Highlights the initial creation and authorship of a plan.

invented a scheme

Stresses the innovative and original nature of the scheme.

hatched a plan

Conveys a sense of secrecy or plotting, often implying a mischievous intent.

brainstormed a plan

Highlights collaborative idea generation, emphasizing group effort in creating the plan.

FAQs

What does "devised a scheme" mean?

The phrase "devised a scheme" means to create or develop a plan, often one that is complex or cleverly arranged, to achieve a particular goal. The term "scheme" can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a plan that is somewhat underhanded or manipulative.

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

You can use "devised a scheme" in a sentence to describe someone creating a plan. For example: "The company "devised a scheme" to increase profits" or "The students "devised a scheme" to avoid taking the test".

What are some alternatives to "devised a scheme"?

Some alternatives to "devised a scheme" include "formulated a plan", "developed a strategy", "created a plan", or "concocted a plan". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

Is there a negative connotation associated with "devised a scheme"?

Yes, the word "scheme" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the plan is somewhat secretive, manipulative, or potentially unethical. Depending on the context, it may be better to use a more neutral term like "plan" or "strategy".