Schemes: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically refers to a systematic plan or arrangement, but can also carry a negative connotation when implying deception or crafty intentions. Used in various contexts, including business and personal activities.

• The new housing scheme aims to provide affordable homes.
• He was involved in a scheme to cheat investors.

Used to refer to a detailed proposal or arrangement for achieving something. Common in everyday use, business contexts, and personal goals.

• She has a plan to start her own business.
• We need a plan to improve sales this quarter.

Often implies a secret plan to achieve something, usually with a negative or sinister connotation. Commonly used in storytelling or when referring to conspiracies.

• The thieves devised a plot to rob the bank.
• The movie's plot was full of unexpected twists.

Refers to a high-level plan designed to achieve long-term or overall aims. Often used in business, military, and game contexts.

• Our marketing strategy focuses on social media.
• The general outlined his strategy for the battle.

Use the word 'schemes' when referring to organized plans or arrangements, often used in contexts where multiple steps or strategies are involved. It can also carry a negative connotation when implying that the plan is secretive or deceitful.

• The government introduced new pension schemes for retirees.
• He got caught up in a pyramid scheme and lost all his money.

Use the word 'system' when referring to a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, often related to technology, institutions, or organizations.

• The new software system has greatly improved efficiency.
• The healthcare system requires significant reforms.

Use the word 'program' when talking about a planned series of activities, events, or procedures aimed at achieving specific goals. These can be educational, recreational, software-related, etc.

• The university offers a new program in data science.
• They launched a summer camp program for kids.

Use the word 'policy' when referring to a set of rules or guidelines established by an organization, government, or institution to regulate behavior or actions.

• The company's policy on remote work is very flexible.
• Government policies on healthcare have been heavily debated.

Used when discussing organized plans, often with an underlying intention that may be negative or manipulative. Frequently appears in political or social contexts.

• The committee uncovered several schemes to undermine the opposition's efforts.
• He always has some sort of scheme to outsmart his competitors.

Can be used to describe secret plans that are often intended to accomplish a subversive or illegal goal. Similar to 'conspire', it often has a negative connotation.

• The rebels were caught plotting to overthrow the government.
• There was a plot against the CEO, which was soon discovered and foiled.

Implies a secretive or unlawful agreement between two or more people to do something harmful. Usually carries a negative connotation.

• The detectives are investigating whether the two men conspired to commit fraud.
• Several employees were arrested for conspiring to steal company secrets.

The most neutral term in this group, it simply refers to an organized proposal or course of action. It can be used in a wide variety of contexts, both positive and negative.

• She has a detailed plan to improve the company's sales over the next year.
• We need to plan our vacation soon.