a certain plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain plan" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it generally implies that the plan is specific or definite. Example: After months of deliberation, the company finally settled on a certain plan for their expansion into international markets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"He had a certain plan, we had a certain plan, and he stayed with it, we stayed with ours," Mariucci said.

The New York Times - Sports

They are implementing a certain plan against these small tribes," said Hussain Enoka, an ethnic Zande and commissioner of Yambio.

The Guardian

He also suggested reading the fine print, or at least going online to see if other consumers have had problems with a certain plan.

The New York Times

The exhibition's title, "The Centaur's Smile," alludes not only to this pleasantly enigmatic fellow, but also to a poem by Pindar in which the centaur Cheiron -- who, unlike most normally antisocial centaurs, is a wise friend to gods and humans -- "smiles greenly" in response to Apollo, who has asked advice about a certain plan of amorous seduction.

The New York Times - Arts

AT&T doesn't force customers to switch data plans to get the best device price when they upgrade to a new device and new AT&T customers aren't forced into a certain plan; they have the flexibility to choose from one of several individual or Mobile Share plans.

TechCrunch

If you're feeling disciplined and want to stick with a certain plan for the foreseeable future, consider joining the Coupons savings club, which can save you even more on products from Weight Watchers and the South Beach Diet.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While Mr. Axelrod said Mr. Obama simply never found an opportunity, another aide offered another suggestion: To have done so would have given Mr. Romney an opening to undo the political damage of the remarks with a certain, planned answer before a huge television audience of 67.2 million.

The New York Times

Its objective is to maximise the gross profit per day earned by all ships' voyages completed during a certain planning period.

Journal of Shipping and Trade

In doing so, all the services in both directions along a certain planning horizon are considered while attending a known passengers' demand.

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological

Owning a certain health plan (either an expensive plan or a cheaper plan) is a predictor of inequitable healthcare utilization, possibly favoring the white affluent member, while males are at particular risk of not screening for chronic diseases of lifestyle.

Global Health Action

Utility firms keen to build plants in Britain, including EDF and E.ON, have long argued for a more certain planning regime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain plan" when you want to convey that a plan is not just any plan, but a specific, predetermined one. This is useful in situations where clarity and precision are important.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain plan" when the plan is not actually defined or known to the audience. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or intentionally vague. Instead, provide specifics or use a more general term like "strategy" if the details are not important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain plan" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound, suggesting that a particular strategy or course of action is under consideration, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain plan" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered phrase used to indicate a specific, pre-determined strategy or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate for situations where clarity and precision are valued. When writing, ensure the plan is actually defined or known, as overuse can sound vague. Alternatives include "a specific strategy" or "a definite course of action". Overall, "a certain plan" is a useful phrase for conveying specificity in plans and strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific strategy

Replaces "plan" with "strategy", emphasizing a carefully designed approach to achieve a particular goal.

a definite course of action

Uses more formal language, highlighting the firm and decisive nature of the plan.

a particular scheme

Substitutes "plan" with "scheme", which can sometimes imply a slightly less formal or even secretive plan.

a prearranged agenda

Emphasizes that the plan has been set in advance and is to be followed in a structured way.

a fixed blueprint

Highlights the detailed and unchangeable nature of the plan, likening it to a precise design.

a set program

Indicates that the plan is a structured series of actions designed to achieve a specific outcome.

a chosen method

Focuses on the selection of a specific way of doing something, implying a deliberate choice.

a determined approach

Emphasizes the resolve and intention behind the plan, highlighting the commitment to follow it through.

a distinct path

Uses metaphorical language to describe the plan as a clear and separate route to a desired result.

an intentional design

Stresses the deliberate and purposeful nature of the plan, indicating that it was created with a specific aim in mind.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain plan" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain plan" to refer to a specific strategy or course of action that has been decided upon. For example, "The company has "a certain plan" to increase its market share next quarter.".

What are some alternatives to saying "a certain plan"?

Alternatives include "a specific strategy", "a definite course of action", or "a particular scheme". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain plan" or "a specific plan"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a specific plan" might be clearer and more direct in many contexts. "A certain plan" can sometimes imply that the plan is known but not being fully disclosed.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain plan" instead of just "a plan"?

Use "a certain plan" when you want to emphasize that you are not talking about any plan in general, but about one particular, pre-determined plan. It adds a layer of specificity.