a concrete plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concrete plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific plan that has been thoroughly thought out and made clear. For example, "I came up with a concrete plan for how to organize the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, they develop a concrete plan.

Harvard Business Review

It's not a concrete plan — more a pleasant sensation.

The New Yorker

There was not a concrete plan to do that".

The New York Times

Nor was there a concrete plan for releasing a low-cost iPhone.

The Economist

And yet, how many companies have a concrete plan in place to deal with a hack?

The New York Times

"If a concrete plan emerges soon we can hold on," Mr. Huebner said.

The New York Times - Health

Although it wasn't a concrete plan, James booked train tickets for them both.

Independent

"And to our knowledge, that was the first instance of a concrete plan".

The New York Times

He might not have a concrete plan, but this line is hard to swallow.

The Guardian

There also needs to be a concrete plan on changing the immediate situation.

The New York Times

Members of both parties have vowed to fix DACA, but a concrete plan still hasn't materialized.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify goals and milestones within "a concrete plan" whenever possible. Measurable objectives allow for effective progress tracking and timely adjustments.

Common error

Don't mistake a general idea for "a concrete plan". Ensure your plan includes specific steps, timelines, and resources. Without these details, it remains an abstract concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete plan" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific, well-defined strategy or proposal, emphasizing its practicality and detail. As shown by Ludwig, it often follows verbs like 'develop', 'have', 'need', or 'implement'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concrete plan" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a detailed and specific strategy. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is versatile enough for use in various contexts, from news and business to personal communication. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Washington Post underscores its reliability. When using "a concrete plan", ensure your plan is not vague but includes specific steps, timelines, and resources, and take advantage of alternatives like "a detailed strategy" or "a practical approach" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed strategy

Focuses on the level of detail and thoroughness in the plan.

a specific proposal

Highlights the definiteness and offering aspect of the plan.

a well-defined roadmap

Emphasizes the clarity and direction provided by the plan.

a practical approach

Stresses the feasibility and hands-on nature of the plan.

a clear course of action

Focuses on the unambiguous steps and procedures outlined.

a solid framework

Highlights the robust and reliable structure of the plan.

a definite scheme

Emphasizes the firmness and deliberateness of the planned endeavor.

a viable solution

Highlights the potential of the plan to resolve a problem.

a feasible project

Emphasizes the potential of the plan to be executed succesfully.

a calculated move

Stresses the forethought and strategic intention behind the plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "a concrete plan" to describe a detailed and specific strategy for achieving a goal. For instance, "The company needs "a concrete plan" to reduce its carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "a concrete plan"?

Alternatives include "a detailed strategy", "a specific proposal", or "a practical approach", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to have "a concrete plan" or a flexible approach?

The best approach depends on the situation. "A concrete plan" is ideal when predictability and control are important. However, in dynamic environments, a flexible approach that allows for adaptation may be more effective.

What distinguishes "a concrete plan" from a general strategy?

"A concrete plan" is characterized by its specificity, including clearly defined steps, timelines, and resource allocations. A general strategy, in contrast, provides a broader, less detailed framework.