to devise a scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to devise a scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of planning or creating a strategy or method for achieving a specific goal. Example: "The team met to devise a scheme that would improve their marketing strategy and increase sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

The Economist

"It would probably be impossible to devise a scheme which is completely free from difficulty," he said.

The Guardian

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

Mr. Bruno's lawyers had argued that the counts on which he was acquitted reflect a finding by jurors that he did not intend to devise a scheme to defraud while serving as a state senator.

The New York Times

But the appeals court wrote that with the prior conviction and "notwithstanding the acquittals, the jury found that Bruno possessed the requisite intent to devise a scheme to defraud".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The defendant, Chaim Berger, 76, pleaded guilty in January to devising a scheme to bilk money from government housing, education and business programs meant for low-income residents.

The New York Times

"He's somebody that you really got to devise a defensive scheme against," Curry said.

The New York Times - Sports

Pressed on the details of the policy, Louise Bours, Ukip's health spokeswoman, said it was "not beyond the wit of man" to devise a workable scheme.

The Guardian

We leave it to the engineering community to devise a standardized scheme by which VTR values could be determined to facilitate this comparison.

Aquacultural Engineering

In order for this model to be operational, necessity compels us to devise a tax/subsidy scheme to determine the sum of emissions of heat released by metropolises into the urban atmosphere.

Journal of Economic Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to devise a scheme", consider the context to ensure the word "scheme" aligns with the intended tone. While it can refer to a clever plan, it sometimes carries a connotation of trickery or underhandedness. Choose a more neutral alternative like "to develop a strategy" if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "to devise a scheme" in situations where honesty and transparency are paramount. The term can imply a hidden or potentially unethical plan. Opt for phrases like "to formulate a plan" to maintain a positive and straightforward tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to devise a scheme" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of creating or planning a strategy. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used in contexts where individuals or groups are developing plans to achieve specific outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to devise a scheme" describes the act of creating a plan or strategy, often implying cleverness or ingenuity. While grammatically correct, "scheme" can carry a negative connotation, suggesting trickery or underhandedness. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase appears in a variety of sources, including news, scientific publications, and general-interest articles, and suggests being mindful of the context to avoid unintended negative implications. Consider alternatives like "to formulate a plan" or "to develop a strategy" to ensure a more neutral tone when appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to formulate a plan

This alternative focuses on the structured creation of a plan, often implying a detailed and methodical approach.

to develop a strategy

This alternative emphasizes the creation of a high-level plan to achieve a specific goal, often used in competitive situations.

to create a blueprint

This alternative suggests making a detailed design or plan, often used in engineering or construction contexts.

to craft a strategy

This alternative highlights the skillful and artful creation of a strategy, emphasizing creativity and finesse.

to concoct a plan

This alternative implies a more imaginative or inventive approach to planning, sometimes with a hint of secrecy or deception.

to design a system

This alternative focuses on creating a structured set of components that work together, often used in technical or organizational contexts.

to contrive a method

This alternative suggests inventing or devising a method, often implying ingenuity or resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles.

to invent a strategy

This alternative stresses the originality and novelty of the strategic approach.

to conceive a plan

This alternative highlights the mental process of forming a plan in one's mind.

to originate a system

This alternative focuses on being the first to create or implement a system, emphasizing its unique beginning.

FAQs

What does "to devise a scheme" mean?

The phrase "to devise a scheme" means to create or develop a plan, often implying a clever or strategic approach. The term "scheme" can sometimes suggest a plan that is complex or slightly underhanded, so consider the context carefully.

What can I say instead of "to devise a scheme"?

You can use alternatives like "to formulate a plan", "to develop a strategy", or "to create a blueprint" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "to devise a scheme" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to devise a scheme" may not always be the most appropriate choice for formal writing, especially if the plan is intended to be perceived positively. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to formulate a plan" or "to develop a strategy", which carry a more neutral connotation.

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

You can use "to devise a scheme" in a sentence like this: "The team met to devise a scheme that would improve their marketing efforts". Remember to consider the potential negative connotation of the word "scheme" and choose an alternative if needed.