B2noun2K

Scheme

UK /["/skiːm/"]/US /["/skiːm/"]/

Definition

a plan or system for doing or organizing something

In simple words: A plan or program to do something, especially something clever or dishonest.

Examples

  • The engineer presented his scheme for the new transportation system.
  • He had a clever scheme to save money on his monthly bills.
  • The company implemented a scheme to improve employee productivity.
  • They discovered a scheme to defraud investors during the investigation.
  • The plot of the movie involved a complex scheme that kept the audience guessing.

Usage notes

Use 'scheme' when discussing organized plans or arrangements, particularly in contexts of strategy or trickery. It's less appropriate in casual conversations unless referring to a specific plan.

Grammar pattern

scheme + object

Memory hint

Think of 'scheme' as a secret plan, like a scheme to win a game.

Collocations

  • major
  • multi-million-pound
  • ambitious
  • have
  • come up with
  • design
  • offer something
  • provide something
  • allow something
  • in a/​the scheme
  • under a/​the scheme
  • scheme for
  • crazy
  • hare-brained
  • elaborate
  • concoct
  • devise
  • dream up
  • involve something

Synonyms

  • plan
  • strategy
  • design
  • project
  • plot

Antonyms

  • spontaneity
  • disorganization

Common mistakes

  • Using 'scheme' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Confusing 'scheme' with 'program' in contexts that require clarification.
  • Assuming 'scheme' only has negative connotations.