a difficult plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a plan that is challenging to execute or understand. Example: "The team presented a difficult plan that required extensive resources and careful coordination to implement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And I don't quite know how, it's gonna be a difficult strategy that needs to be pursued, and a difficult plan.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Paul Jones, the president of One&Only Resorts, said of the terrain: "There are some pretty steep contours, which makes for a difficult planning process, but the difficulty brings with it a lot of drama.

The New York Times

More generally, one could argue that set shifting of WCST resembles a difficult planning paradigm including components of mental and online planning.

BMC Psychiatry

If the book you are reading is difficult, plan on taking 2 to 3 times longer than you might read a novel.

WikiHow

Visitors to Bilbao are dazzled by the stunning originality of Mr. Gehry's exuberant forms, but the building's artistry also resides in its ability to solve a host of difficult planning issues, from channeling an existing rail line through the structure to crowd control.

The New York Times

The more you plan ahead of time, the easier it is to manage a large group people in large groups have a difficult time planning and reaching a consensus quickly.

WikiHow

It is important to recognise that the anatomical position of the pancreas presents a difficult radiation-planning problem for the Radiation Oncologist, because of close proximity of key tolerance organs and potential risk of major treatment toxicity.

British Journal of Cancer

"We take a game-plan to a difficult place on Saturday.

Independent

He said Wales has been at a disadvantage in not having control over energy tariffs but there was now a political will to make difficult planning decisions which could be unpopular.

BBC

When the world's biggest wind company, Vestas, closed its UK factory in 2009, the chief executive, Ditlev Engel, said the difficult planning laws were a key reason.

The Guardian

But if you're working on a complex problem such as planning a difficult surgery, or doing urban planning, or bridge design, you wouldn't plan those on three-by-five cards, you'd use a table or a whiteboard.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a difficult plan", acknowledge the challenges upfront and emphasize potential benefits to build confidence.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty of the plan, as this can discourage stakeholders. Focus on realistic challenges and solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult plan" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "plan". It describes the nature of the plan, indicating its level of complexity or the challenges associated with it. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult plan" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe a complex or challenging strategy. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources highlights its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, suggesting its suitability for both neutral and professional registers. While the phrase accurately conveys the challenges, it's crucial to balance this honesty with a clear articulation of potential benefits and mitigation strategies. Alternatives such as "a challenging plan" or "a complex plan" can offer a more positive framing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging plan

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", implying a demanding but potentially rewarding plan.

a complex plan

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the plan.

a problematic plan

Uses "problematic" instead of "difficult", suggesting the plan has inherent issues.

a demanding plan

Replaces "difficult" with "demanding", focusing on the effort required by the plan.

an arduous plan

Substitutes "difficult" with "arduous", emphasizing the strenuous nature of the plan.

a tough plan

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult", providing a more informal synonym.

a complicated plan

Replaces "difficult" with "complicated", indicating the plan is hard to understand.

a thorny plan

Substitutes "difficult" with "thorny", suggesting the plan involves sensitive or contentious issues.

a formidable plan

Uses "formidable" instead of "difficult", highlighting the intimidating aspects of the plan.

an unstraightforward plan

Replaces "difficult" with "unstraightforward", indicating the plan is not simple or direct.

FAQs

How can I describe "a difficult plan" more positively?

Consider using phrases like "a "challenging plan"", "a "complex plan"", or "a "demanding plan"" to highlight the effort involved rather than the potential for failure.

What are the key elements to consider when implementing "a difficult plan"?

Key elements include thorough risk assessment, contingency "planning", clear communication, and strong leadership to navigate potential obstacles.

When is it appropriate to describe a strategy as "a difficult plan"?

It's appropriate when the plan faces significant obstacles, requires substantial resources, or involves a high degree of complexity. Be transparent about the challenges but also emphasize the potential rewards.

What verbs commonly precede the phrase "a difficult plan"?

Verbs such as "to face", "to implement", "to execute", and "to propose" often precede the phrase, indicating the action taken in relation to the "plan".