scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'scheme' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a carefully organized plan or to a fraud or an illegal plan. For example: "The mayor is accused of running a kickback scheme to siphon government funds into his own bank account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The case has already been referred to the police ombudsman but, as the first minister has said, we should have a full, independent examination of the whole operation of this scheme.

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

Against this, the three options set out for debate would leave an individual paying an average £20,000-£22,500 under a basic partnership scheme, though some would pay far more; £20,000-£25,000 under a voluntary insurance scheme, though the uninsured might pay much more; and £17,000-£20,000 under a compulsory comprehensive scheme.

The Guardian

Others basked in a wave of optimism, this being the best scheme to come out of a tawdry saga of ill-conceived visions that has dragged on for the past quarter of a century.

The Guardian - Arts

Indeed, this scheme has been used to help only around 140 people.

The Guardian

It calls on the new government to fully fund council tax support, acknowledging that the scheme costs the councils millions of pounds and has increased the cost of living for some of the poorest.

The Guardian

His tenure has also brought NT Live, the scheme through which plays from the National are broadcast live in cinemas in Britain and overseas.

The Guardian

Environment minister Greg Hunt has been out and about this morning on the ABC and on the doors at Parliament, "hoping and expecting but not presuming" the new senate will pass the carbon tax repeal bills, driving the final nail into the heart of Labor's emissions trading scheme.

The Guardian

Mare Nostrum's demise had seemed certain after the launch of a more limited "Triton" scheme was announced for 1 November.

The Guardian

Government figures estimate benefit fraud due to identity theft at between £20-£50m £20-£50mm, a fraction of the LSE's low cost estimate for the scheme of £10bn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yanis Varoufakis, its colourful finance minister, said last week that Greece "went from a Ponzi scheme of unsustainable borrowing before the crisis to a scheme of Ponzi austerity after it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to government or organizational programs, use "scheme" to denote a structured plan or system. For instance, "the government's employment scheme".

Common error

Avoid using "scheme" when you mean "schema", which refers to a diagrammatic representation or organizational framework, especially in database design or psychology. For example, use "database schema" to describe database structure, not "database scheme".

Linguistic Context

The word "scheme" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a systematic plan or arrangement. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across various domains like government programs and financial strategies. It can also function as a verb, meaning to plot or contrive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "scheme" is a versatile term frequently employed to denote a systematic plan or arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, most notably in news, formal business, and scientific domains. While primarily functioning as a noun, it can also serve as a verb, implying the act of plotting. When employing "scheme", it's crucial to differentiate it from "schema" to avoid confusion. Common synonyms include "plan of action" and "strategy", although one should be aware of its potential negative connotations in certain contexts, where words such as "plot" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan of action

Focuses on the practical steps and intentions for achieving a specific goal.

systematic arrangement

Highlights the orderly and structured nature of a coordinated approach.

strategic initiative

Emphasizes the proactive and calculated nature of a project or undertaking.

coordinated project

Stresses the collaborative and synchronized execution of a specific task.

devious plot

Highlights the clandestine or underhanded aspect of the project.

secret agenda

Emphasizes hidden goals or motivations driving the plan.

grand design

Suggests an ambitious and comprehensive overarching plan.

methodical approach

Focuses on the step-by-step procedure used to achieve a target.

elaborate stratagem

Implies a complex and carefully crafted strategy often involving deception.

organized system

Highlights the structured and interconnected elements within the planned course of action.

FAQs

How is "scheme" used in project management?

In project management, "scheme" refers to a detailed plan or program outlining the steps and resources needed to achieve specific project goals. It often involves coordinating various tasks and allocating resources efficiently to meet project timelines and objectives.

What are common synonyms for "scheme" when referring to a plan?

When "scheme" is used to describe a plan, common alternatives include "plan of action", "strategy", or "project". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Can "scheme" have negative connotations?

Yes, "scheme" can carry negative connotations when it implies a secret, devious, or underhanded plan, often used to deceive or manipulate others. In such cases, words like "plot", "conspiracy", or "ruse" might be more appropriate.

How does "scheme" differ from "system"?

"Scheme" often refers to a specific, intentional plan or project with defined goals, while "system" describes a broader, more established set of procedures or operations. A "scheme" might be implemented within a larger "system".