Lay out a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Lay out a plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the act of presenting or organizing a strategy or course of action. Example: "In our next meeting, I will lay out a plan for the upcoming project to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I want to lay out a plan.

The Guardian

Tomorrow I'll lay out a plan to take it on.

Independent

Now it's time to lay out a plan.

Harvard Business Review

The reluctance to lay out a plan was understandable.

The New York Times

These memories describe a history — they look backward — but they also lay out a plan.

The New York Times

But he was fighting back, and he could still try to lay out a plan.

The Economist

Now this generation has to lay out a plan for the next 150 years.

The Guardian

It is also supposed to lay out a plan for completing destruction, which will be monitored by the international inspectors.

The New York Times

A manifesto advances a set of ideas, opinions, or views, but it can also lay out a plan of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker is preparing to address the European Parliament this week, and lay out a plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Because not only must the President speak of DADT during his address, he must lay-out a plan for its eventual repeal in a way that is democratic, long-lasting and moral.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Lay out a plan", ensure the context clearly indicates what the plan entails and its intended purpose. Providing specifics enhances clarity and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "Lay out a plan" without providing sufficient detail about the plan's components. Vague references can leave the audience uninformed and uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Lay out a plan" is as a verb phrase. It typically functions as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action of presenting or detailing a strategy. As Ludwig suggests, it describes the act of organizing and presenting a strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Lay out a plan" is a versatile and frequently used expression that means to present or detail a strategy or course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. Its neutral register and widespread use make it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication. While alternatives like "develop a strategy" or "formulate a plan" exist, "Lay out a plan" remains a straightforward and commonly understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Develop a strategy

Focuses on the creation of a strategy, omitting the presentation aspect.

Formulate a plan

Emphasizes the mental process of creating a structured plan.

Outline a scheme

Similar to a plan but may imply a more detailed or complex structure.

Present a strategy

Highlights the act of presenting an already developed strategy.

Propose a roadmap

Suggests a detailed path or guide for achieving a specific goal.

Draft a blueprint

Implies creating a detailed and technical design for implementation.

Design a course of action

Focuses on designing a sequence of actions to achieve a goal.

Establish a framework

Emphasizes the creation of a basic structure to support further planning.

Conceive a proposal

Highlights the initial thought or conception of a plan.

Articulate a vision

Focuses on expressing a broad, aspirational goal rather than a concrete plan.

FAQs

How can I use "Lay out a plan" in a sentence?

You can use "Lay out a plan" to describe the act of presenting a detailed strategy, such as: "The CEO will "lay out a plan" for the company's future growth at the next meeting".

What can I say instead of "Lay out a plan"?

You can use alternatives such as "develop a strategy", "formulate a plan", or "present a strategy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal or informal to use "Lay out a plan"?

"Lay out a plan" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, business reports, and even casual conversations.

What does "Lay out a plan" mean?

"Lay out a plan" means to present or explain a detailed strategy or course of action, making it clear and understandable for others. It involves organizing and presenting information in a structured way.