grand scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

"granddaughter scheme" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
In the context of family, it can be used to describe a plan that provides for one's granddaughter(s). For example, "We're putting together a granddaughter scheme to ensure the girls will be financially secure after we're gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It wasn't a grand scheme".

The New York Times - Style

In the grand scheme, it really didn't".

The New York Times - Sports

In the grand scheme of things. .

The New Yorker

And his grand scheme for freed slaves?

The New York Times - Arts

In the grand scheme of things... .. Phoebe waited for Jeanne.

The New Yorker

In the grand scheme, getting drafted is the easy part.

The New York Times - Sports

This is minutia in the grand scheme of things.

The New York Times

"We put this in the grand scheme of things.

The New York Times

BNP's grand scheme would mean merging lots of businesses.

The Economist

Not much in the grand scheme of things".

The New Yorker

In the grand scheme of things this changes very little.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grand scheme" when you want to emphasize the scale and ambition of a plan or idea. It implies a comprehensive and often long-term perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "grand scheme" when referring to minor or insignificant plans. The phrase is best reserved for situations where a large-scale, impactful strategy is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grand scheme" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show its use to describe a comprehensive plan or overarching strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grand scheme" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe a comprehensive, ambitious plan or perspective. According to Ludwig AI, it's very common and generally considered suitable for formal writing. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it conveys a sense of scale and long-term vision. When using "grand scheme", it's best to reserve it for significant strategies and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "big picture" or "overall strategy" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Ludwig's examples illustrate its diverse application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big picture

Focuses on the overall view rather than specific details.

master plan

Emphasizes a detailed and comprehensive strategy.

overall strategy

Highlights the strategic aspect of a plan.

comprehensive plan

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness of the plan.

grand design

Suggests a deliberate and overarching purpose.

big idea

Refers to the main concept or core of a plan.

global strategy

Indicates a strategy applied on a worldwide scale.

overarching plan

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the plan.

general scheme

A more generic and less ambitious version of a "grand scheme".

holistic approach

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of elements within the plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "grand scheme" to refer to a large, ambitious plan. For example, "The company's "grand scheme" involves expanding into new international markets."

What's the difference between "grand scheme" and "master plan"?

"Grand scheme" implies a broad vision, while "master plan" suggests a detailed and meticulously crafted strategy. The "master plan" typically involves more specific steps and timelines.

What can I say instead of "grand scheme"?

You can use alternatives like "big picture", "overall strategy", or "comprehensive plan" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grand scheme" in formal writing?

Yes, "grand scheme" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategic initiatives, long-term goals, or significant projects. Its use in News & Media is "very common", as reported by Ludwig.