a contingency plan

USAGE SUMMARY

"a contingency plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a back-up plan, one that can be used in case of an emergency or unanticipated event. For example: "The director asked all the department heads to come up with a contingency plan in case of budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fortunately, a contingency plan proved unnecessary.

The New York Times

"We didn't have a contingency plan".

The New York Times

"We have a contingency plan".

The New York Times

"Is there a contingency plan?

The New York Times

"Does a contingency plan guarantee success?

The New York Times

But we have a contingency plan".

The New York Times - Arts

"There is always a contingency plan," Mr. McConnell said.

The New York Times

Mr. Chilton suggested a contingency plan: appease Mr. Wilkins.

The New York Times

He said the government was developing a contingency plan.

The Guardian - Sport

The shady Russian gang revert to a contingency plan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What he doesn't have much of is a contingency plan.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risk management, be sure to specify the triggers that would activate the "a contingency plan". Clear triggers ensure a smooth transition from the primary plan to the contingency.

Common error

A risk assessment identifies potential problems, while "a contingency plan" outlines specific actions to take if those problems occur. Ensure you have both for comprehensive preparedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contingency plan" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating its role in expressing preparatory actions for potential future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contingency plan" is a widely used noun phrase denoting a backup strategy for unexpected events. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. When writing, focus on specifying triggers for the plan and differentiating it from risk assessments. Alternatives like "a backup strategy" or "a plan B" can be used for variety, but the core concept remains consistent: preparing for the unexpected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plan B

A more informal and direct way of referring to an alternative plan.

a fallback option

Emphasizes having a less desirable but still viable choice if the preferred one is not available.

a backup strategy

Focuses more on the strategic aspect of having an alternative plan.

an alternative approach

Highlights a different method or way of doing something if the primary approach fails.

a workaround

Suggests a temporary solution to overcome a problem or obstacle.

a safety net

Implies protection against negative consequences if something goes wrong.

a fail-safe measure

Indicates a precaution designed to prevent or minimize the impact of a failure.

an emergency protocol

Specifically designed for handling urgent or critical situations.

a crisis management plan

Addresses how to respond to and recover from a crisis.

a recovery strategy

Deals with the steps needed to restore normal operations after a disruption.

FAQs

How do you use "a contingency plan" in a sentence?

You can use "a contingency plan" to describe a backup plan in case the original plan fails. For example, "The company developed "a contingency plan" to address potential supply chain disruptions".

What is another way to say "a contingency plan"?

Alternatives to "a contingency plan" include "a backup strategy", "a fallback option", or simply "a plan B".

What makes a good contingency plan?

A good contingency plan is detailed, realistic, and regularly updated. It should clearly outline steps to take, resources needed, and potential challenges.

What's the difference between "a contingency plan" and "an emergency plan"?

"A contingency plan" covers a broader range of potential disruptions, while "an emergency plan" is specifically for immediate responses to crises like natural disasters or accidents. Contingency plans anticipate many potential failures, not only catastrophic situations.