What is scheme? Pronunciation and usage in English

scheme means . Learn how to pronounce and use scheme through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of scheme

schemenoun

/skiːm/
Definition & pronunciation of scheme

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "scheme" in English. There are a few common ways people pronounce it, and both are generally accepted. Here's a breakdown of the two main pronunciations:

1. The American Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • Sounds like: "ski-EM"
  • Breakdown:
    • ski: Like the word "ski" (as in, winter activity). It's a short, quick "ski" sound.
    • EM: Pronounced like the letter "m." It's a very short, quick "m" sound.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: "shi-EM"
  • Breakdown:
    • shi: Like the word "she."
    • EM: Same as above - a short "m" sound.

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

  • American: /ˈskiːm/ (The slash indicates phonetics - how it sounds)
  • British: /ˈʃiːm/

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

Which one should you use?

  • In the United States, the "ski-EM" pronunciation is far more common.
  • In the United Kingdom, the "shi-EM" pronunciation is the standard.

To be safe, especially if you're unsure, using the American pronunciation ("ski-EM") will be widely understood.

Do you want me to:

  • Record an example of each pronunciation?
  • Explain any specific sounds you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word scheme in English

Let's break down how to use the word "scheme" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun – A Plan or System

This is probably the most common use. "Scheme" refers to a detailed plan or system for achieving something.

  • General Plans: “The company launched a marketing scheme to boost sales.” (A broad plan for marketing)
  • Financial Plans: “She’s saving money in a retirement scheme.” (A plan for accumulating funds for retirement)
  • Problem-Solving: “The detective’s scheme involved carefully gathering evidence.” (A methodical approach to solving a problem)
  • Educational: “The school implemented a new literacy scheme.” (A structured plan for teaching literacy)
  • Computer Science: “We’re using a new programming scheme to make the software more efficient.” (A particular style or method of writing code)

2. As a Noun – A Deceitful Plan (Often Negative)

"Scheme" can also describe a plan that’s dishonest or intended to trick someone. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • “He was part of a criminal scheme to defraud investors.” (A dishonest plan to steal money)
  • “The politician’s scheme to win the election relied on spreading misinformation.” (A manipulative plan)
  • "They uncovered a vast corruption scheme within the government."

3. As a Verb – To Plan or Formulate

"Scheme" can also be used as a verb, meaning to plan or concoct something, often secretly or dishonestly.

  • “He’s scheming about how to get a promotion.” (Secretly plotting)
  • “Don’t scheme to avoid doing your homework; just do it!” (Trying to trick or avoid something)
  • "The researchers are scheming a new experiment." (Developing a new plan)

4. As a Noun – A Design or Arrangement (Less Common)

Sometimes "scheme" refers to a decorative arrangement, particularly in art or architecture.

  • “The room featured a beautiful floral scheme.” (A harmonious color scheme)
  • “The artist used a bold color scheme to create a dramatic effect.”

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • Scheme (plan) vs. Plot (plan): "Scheme" tends to be more formal and detailed than "plot." “Plot” often implies a more immediate or active plan. Think of a “murder plot” vs. a “business scheme”.
  • Scheme (dishonest) vs. Conspiracy: “Scheme” usually refers to a single plan, while “conspiracy” refers to a group of people working together to commit wrongdoing.

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun A detailed plan/system A marketing scheme
Noun A dishonest plan A criminal scheme
Verb To plan/concoct He’s scheming for a raise
Noun A design/arrangement A color scheme

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "scheme"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • What is the specific meaning you're aiming for?

Synonyms for the word scheme

Idioms of the word scheme

the/somebody’s scheme of things
the way things seem to be organized; the way somebody wants everything to be organized
  • My personal problems are not really important in the overall scheme of things.
  • This small annoyance isn't much in the grand scheme of things.
  • I don't think marriage figures in his scheme of things.

Practice with vocabulary scheme

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The government introduced a new pension _________ designed to provide greater financial security for retirees.
  2. Despite its initial challenges, the complex _________ for urban redevelopment is finally showing promising results.
  3. The project manager presented a detailed _________ outlining the underlying principles and organizational structure of the new system.
  4. After several rounds of negotiation, the stakeholders finally agreed on a revised _________ for the merger, which included a new timeline and resource allocation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer(s)

  1. Which of the following words best describes a detailed and often ambitious plan for doing something? a) agenda b) scheme c) outline d) spontaneous e) blueprint

  2. If someone is accused of trying to manipulate the election results, they might be involved in a secret _________. a) procedure b) conspiracy c) plot d) scheme e) routine

  3. The company launched a new incentive _________ to boost employee morale and productivity. a) operation b) program c) scheme d) initiative e) drill

  4. To achieve consistent quality, it's crucial to follow a standardized _________ for product testing. a) method b) haphazard c) process d) sequence e) spontaneity

  5. The marketing department devised an innovative _________ to reach a younger demographic through social media platforms. a) impromptu b) tactic c) strategy d) spontaneous e) approach

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The consultants proposed a detailed plan for optimizing the company's supply chain. (Use "scheme")
  2. There were whispers of a secret plot to oust the CEO from his position. (Use "scheme")
  3. Before we start coding, we need to clearly define the overall structure of the software. (Do not use "scheme")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The government introduced a new pension scheme designed to provide greater financial security for retirees.
  2. Despite its initial challenges, the complex scheme for urban redevelopment is finally showing promising results.
  3. The project manager presented a detailed framework outlining the underlying principles and organizational structure of the new system.
  4. After several rounds of negotiation, the stakeholders finally agreed on a revised proposal for the merger, which included a new timeline and resource allocation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer(s)

  1. b) scheme, e) blueprint (a) agenda is also plausible, but 'scheme' and 'blueprint' fit "detailed and often ambitious plan" very well)
  2. b) conspiracy, c) plot, d) scheme
  3. b) program, c) scheme, d) initiative
  4. a) method, c) process, d) sequence
  5. b) tactic, c) strategy, e) approach

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The consultants proposed a detailed scheme for optimizing the company's supply chain.
  2. There were whispers of a secret scheme to oust the CEO from his position.
  3. Before we start coding, we need to clearly define the architecture of the software. (or 'framework', 'layout', 'design')

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