in the scheme of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the scheme of things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the fact that something is important or unimportant when compared to the larger context. For example: "I may have failed this exam, but in the scheme of things it's not really that important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In the scheme of things".

The New Yorker

Almost nothing in the scheme of things.

The New York Times

it's minor in the scheme of things . . .

The New Yorker

Chump change in the scheme of things.

The Washington Post

"In the scheme of things, who is Bishop Tutu?

The New York Times

Where do I stand in the scheme of things?

The New York Times

And in the scheme of things, what's one wedding gift?

The New York Times

A jacket hardly mattered, in the scheme of things.

The New Yorker

"It's just right in the scheme of things.

The New York Times

In the scheme of things, that's a natural progression.

The New York Times

In the scheme of things, it's not too bad.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the scheme of things" to provide context and perspective, especially when discussing minor issues or setbacks to emphasize their relative insignificance.

Common error

Avoid using "in the scheme of things" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the scheme of things" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a clause or sentence. It provides context by placing a specific event or situation within a broader perspective, often to diminish its relative importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the scheme of things" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to provide perspective by comparing something to a broader context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used across various authoritative sources like The New York Times, BBC, and Forbes, mainly within News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "in the grand scheme" and "on a larger scale" exist, it's essential to avoid overuse and maintain a balanced tone. Using "in the scheme of things" helps to contextualize information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the grand scheme

Focuses on the overall, larger perspective, similar to "in the scheme of things" but slightly more emphatic.

on a larger scale

Highlights the broader context and impact, shifting the emphasis from specific details to general significance.

in the overall picture

Emphasizes considering all aspects before making a judgment, akin to viewing something "in the scheme of things".

when all is said and done

Implies a final assessment after considering all factors, adding a sense of conclusion.

at the end of the day

Focuses on the ultimate outcome or the most important consideration.

in the long run

Shifts the perspective to the future, focusing on long-term consequences rather than immediate concerns.

taking a broader view

Highlights the act of widening one's perspective, suggesting a conscious effort to see beyond the immediate details.

considering the big picture

Similar to "in the overall picture", stressing the importance of understanding the whole context.

from a global perspective

Indicates a worldwide or all-encompassing viewpoint, broadening the context significantly.

in comparison with everything else

Highlights that something is more or less important than another thing. It focuses on considering all aspects before making a judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "in the scheme of things" in a sentence?

Use "in the scheme of things" to indicate that something is not as important as it seems when compared to a larger context. For example, "The delay is frustrating, but "in the scheme of things", it's a minor setback."

What's the difference between "in the scheme of things" and "in the grand scheme"?

"In the grand scheme" is a more emphatic version of ""in the scheme of things"", suggesting an even broader, more significant perspective.

Are there formal alternatives to "in the scheme of things"?

Formal alternatives include "on a larger scale" or "in the overall picture", which maintain a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic writing.

When is it appropriate to use "in the scheme of things"?

It is appropriate when you want to downplay the importance of something or suggest that a particular issue should be considered within a larger, more significant context. It helps provide perspective and can be used to reassure or offer a more balanced viewpoint.