was the target of a scheme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was the target of a scheme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been specifically aimed at or affected by a particular plan or plot, often with negative connotations. Example: "The company was the target of a scheme to undermine its reputation in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his lawsuit, Mr. Olenicoff said that he was the target of a scheme by UBS, the world's largest private bank, to seek out and sign up wealthy Americans who wanted to put their money offshore into a Swiss bank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Have you or an elderly relative been the target of a financial scheme?

The New York Times

Prosecutors say Fort Lee's mayor, Mark Sokolich, one of the Democratic mayors who declined to endorse Christie, was the target of the traffic jam scheme in September 2013.

The Guardian

Last week, the firm pulled out of the scheme after it was the target of "slave labour" protests.

The Guardian - Opinion

The schools have been the target of FBI probes examining whether they are being used in a kickback scheme involving building projects steered to Gulen-affiliated firms.

Huffington Post

Prosecutors have not named any of the public officials who were the targets of Mr. Scanlon's scheme.

The New York Times

Like their mother, both Madoff sons were the targets of public accusations that they had been involved in the scheme.

The New York Times

Whitman warned that managers involved in the emissions-evasion scheme could also be the targets of criminal cases.

Vice

Tricare, the military's managed care program, was the primary target of schemes involving the compounding pharmacies, Decker said.

Los Angeles Times

Who's the real target of the scheme, and who commissioned it?

The New York Times

It is not the target of any conservation or management schemes.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was the target of a scheme", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the scheme and its intended negative impact on the target. This phrase is best suited for situations involving deliberate and harmful planning.

Common error

Avoid using "was the target of a scheme" for situations that are merely accidental or unintentional. A "scheme" implies a deliberate plan, so ensure the context supports this intentionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was the target of a scheme" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone or something was the intended recipient or victim of a planned action, often with negative consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was the target of a scheme" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone or something intentionally affected by a planned, often negative, action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for reporting deliberate actions. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's important to ensure the context supports the implication of intentionality. Alternatives such as "was subjected to a plot" or "was victimized by a conspiracy" can provide nuanced expressions of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was subjected to a plot

Focuses on the experience of undergoing a secret plan, emphasizing the victim's perspective.

was victimized by a conspiracy

Highlights the harm caused by a secret agreement to carry out an unlawful act.

was the subject of a fraud

Emphasizes the deceitful nature of the scheme and its impact on the target.

was the focus of a ruse

Highlights the deceptive aspect of the scheme, suggesting trickery and cunning.

was the object of a stratagem

Emphasizes the strategic and planned nature of the scheme against the target.

was intentionally affected by a plan

A more general phrasing, lacking the inherent negative connotation of "scheme".

was deliberately manipulated by a plot

Stresses the element of manipulation and control exerted over the target.

was the receiver of a fraudulent action

Highlights the reception of fraudulent actions and lack of action by the part of the receiver.

was impacted by a deceitful strategy

Focuses on the negative impact resulting from a planned deceptive approach.

was chosen as a scapegoat in a manipulation

Highlights how the "target" was selected to take blame for someone else's actions.

FAQs

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

Use "was the target of a scheme" to indicate that someone or something was intentionally and negatively affected by a planned action. For instance, "The company "was the target of a scheme" to undermine its market share".

What are some alternatives to saying "was the target of a scheme"?

Alternatives include phrases like "was subjected to a plot", "was victimized by a conspiracy", or "was the subject of a fraud", depending on the specific context and the nature of the planned action.

Is it appropriate to use "was the target of a scheme" in formal writing?

Yes, "was the target of a scheme" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing events in news reports, legal documents, or academic analyses where precision and clarity are important. However, consider if a more precise term like "fraud" or "conspiracy" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "was the target of a scheme" and "was affected by a plan"?

"Was the target of a scheme" implies a deliberate, often malicious, intent behind the plan, whereas "was affected by a plan" is more neutral and does not necessarily suggest malicious intent. The former is used when describing intentional negative actions, the latter is used for a generic impact of a plan.