a major plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or important strategy or course of action that is being proposed or implemented. Example: "The company has developed a major plan to expand its operations into new markets over the next five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Carmelo Anthony, of the Knicks, says guns are too accessible and that we need "a major plan".

The New Yorker

It is part of a major plan to expand the economy through the utilisation of natural resources.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama expressed support for the Citigroup plan and urged Congress to adopt swiftly a major plan to stimulate spending and to reverse job losses.

The New York Times

In addition to changing its policies in Russia, Microsoft announced a major plan to help the nonprofit sector and to prevent political crackdowns from being carried out by the authorities under the guise of software piracy inquiries.

The New York Times

A major plan advanced by Republicans on Nov. 7 came from Senator Patrick J. Toomey of Pennsylvania: $890 billion in far-reaching spending cuts and $250 billion in revenue increases, according to aides.

The New York Times

Most of the major Democratic candidates have produced a major plan to expand health coverage, generally financing it by rolling back all or part of Mr. Bush's tax cuts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Skid Row's very existence illustrates a major planning mistake the southern Californian metropolis made in the past.

The Guardian

The pavilion is proof that a single architectural moment, created out of the deepest sense of humility, can have an impact more resonant than a major planning campaign.

The New York Times - Travel

At the Port Authority, Mr. Foye will have to continue progress at the former World Trade Center site and run the ports, five airports, two tunnels, four bridges, a commuter railroad, a small police force and a major planning agency.

The New York Times

The initial application was submitted in January and the council said the statutory timescale for determining a major planning application was four months.

BBC

The statutory timescale for deciding a major planning application is four months, which means the Scottish government expects Perth and Kinross Council to come to a decision within four months of the application being validated on 20 January.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major plan", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the plan 'major' – is it the scale, the impact, the resources involved, or the strategic importance?

Common error

Avoid using "a major plan" for initiatives that are routine or lack substantial impact. Using the phrase inappropriately can diminish its intended emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major plan" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a significant strategy or course of action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

4%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major plan" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a significant strategy or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various sources, primarily in news and media. When using this phrase, make sure the context clarifies the scale, importance, or impact that makes the plan 'major'. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift based on the context. Alternatives like "a key initiative" or "a comprehensive strategy" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key initiative

Stresses the importance and priority of the plan.

a comprehensive strategy

Highlights the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the plan.

a bold proposal

Emphasizes the innovation and potential impact.

a significant undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and effort involved, rather than the strategic aspect.

a strategic roadmap

Highlights a detailed plan.

a transformative agenda

Focuses on the potential for significant and lasting change.

a large-scale project

Focuses on the size and scope of the endeavor.

an ambitious scheme

Implies a bold and challenging plan, potentially with high risks.

a grand design

Suggests a sweeping and elaborate plan, often with long-term goals.

a sweeping reform

Highlights a complete change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major plan" to describe a significant strategy or course of action, such as "The company has developed "a major plan" to expand its operations."

What can I say instead of "a major plan"?

You can use alternatives like "a key initiative", "a comprehensive strategy", or "a significant undertaking" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a major plan" or "an major plan"?

"A major plan" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. "Major" begins with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a major plan" and "a minor plan"?

"A major plan" refers to a significant and important strategy, while "a minor plan" refers to a less important or smaller-scale strategy.