a change of plan

USAGE SUMMARY

'a change of plan' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to reference when there has been an alteration to a project, task, or course of action. For example: After discussing the options with the team, we decided to make a change of plan and pursue a different strategy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

12.25pm: There's been a change of plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Four years ago there was a change of plan.

The Guardian - Business

A change of plan meant the B-class did not, after all, go Stateside.

Independent

Many, like Mr Chadwick, are dragging their feet, hoping for a change of plan.

The Economist

A change of plan then for Wimbledon 2013: the complete opposite.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then riots started in Istanbul, leading to a change of plan.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

-- Amy Koko, author of There's Been A Change Of Plans.

Huffington Post

Which brings me to my book, "There's Been A Change Of Plans".

Huffington Post

There was a change of plans".

The New York Times - Sports

But a change of plans was afoot.

The New York Times

That day had begun with a change of plans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a change of plans, clearly state the original plan and the reason for the change to avoid confusion and provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid unnecessary details about the initial plan if it's irrelevant to the current situation. Focus on the revised plan and its implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a change of plan" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of altering a previously decided course of action. As Ludwig indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a change of plan" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to denote alterations to an existing strategy or arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key – ensure you communicate the original plan and the reasons for the shift. Alternatives include "an alteration in strategy" or "a revised approach", depending on the specific context. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse forms of communication, as demonstrated across various examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an alteration in strategy

Focuses more specifically on strategic shifts rather than general plans.

a revised approach

Highlights the updated methodology or technique being used.

a shift in direction

Emphasizes the change in trajectory or focus of the activity.

a modification to the agenda

Refers specifically to adjustments in scheduled events or meetings.

a course correction

Implies a slight adjustment to get back on the intended path.

a pivot in tactics

Suggests a strategic turn, especially in response to new information or challenges.

an amended itinerary

Relates primarily to travel or scheduled journeys that have been modified.

a rethinking of priorities

Implies a re-evaluation and adjustment of the most important tasks or goals.

a deviation from the original scheme

Highlights the act of moving away from an initial project or design.

a restructured schedule

Focuses on the reorganization of time or events.

FAQs

How can I use "a change of plan" in a sentence?

You can use "a change of plan" to indicate that an original arrangement or strategy has been altered. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there's been "a change of plan" regarding the project timeline".

What are some alternatives to saying "a change of plan"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an alteration in strategy", "a revised approach", or "a shift in direction".

Is it correct to say "change of plans" instead of "a change of plan"?

While both are understandable, "a change of plan" generally refers to a single, specific plan that has been altered. "Change of plans" (plural) implies that multiple plans have been modified.

What's the difference between "a change of plan" and "a change of mind"?

"A change of plan" refers to altering a pre-arranged activity or strategy, while "a change of mind" indicates a shift in one's opinion or decision.