a serious plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a plan that is well thought out, significant, or has important implications. Example: "After much discussion, we finally agreed on a serious plan to tackle the project's challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's not a serious plan.

The New York Times

That's not a serious plan to govern".

The New York Times

"That doesn't seem like a serious plan to me".

The New York Times

Stephen Harper's minority Conservative government lacks a serious plan to cut emissions.

The Economist

The general verdict seems to be that this is not a serious plan.

The New York Times

She feared that as a high school junior, he was nearing graduation without a serious plan.

The New York Times

A serious plan for tackling unpaid internships has also been left off the agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

("I'm a road man, a load man, 18 wheels and a serious plan").

The New York Times

"Hillary has a serious plan to create 200,000 new jobs upstate," the ad said.

The New York Times

12.10pm BST Osborne says he is offering a serious plan for a grown-up country.

The Guardian

"This is a serious plan involving people who are very good at their jobs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a serious plan", clearly articulate the goals, steps, and expected outcomes to convey its importance and feasibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious plan" to describe something that lacks concrete details or measurable objectives. Ensure the plan is well-defined and supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious plan" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'serious' modifies the noun 'plan'. It describes a plan that is well-considered, important, and intended to be implemented effectively. Ludwig AI shows many examples of it used to describe strategy in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious plan" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe a well-thought-out and significant strategy or course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it extensively. When using this phrase, ensure that the plan is clearly defined and supported by evidence to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a well-developed strategy" or "a comprehensive proposal" can be used to add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-developed strategy

Emphasizes the detailed and thorough nature of the plan.

a comprehensive proposal

Highlights the breadth and completeness of the proposed plan.

a strategic initiative

Focuses on the plan as a proactive step with long-term goals.

a concrete course of action

Stresses the tangible and actionable aspects of the plan.

a viable alternative

Suggests the plan is a realistic and workable option.

a sound approach

Indicates the plan is reasonable and likely to succeed.

a practical solution

Highlights the plan's focus on addressing real-world problems.

a robust scheme

Emphasizes the strength and resilience of the plan.

a considered proposition

Suggests the plan has been carefully thought out and evaluated.

a solid roadmap

Focuses on the plan as providing clear guidance and direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious plan" to describe a well-thought-out strategy or course of action, as in "The company needs "a serious plan" to address the declining sales figures".

What are some alternatives to saying "a serious plan"?

Alternatives to "a serious plan" include "a well-developed strategy", "a comprehensive proposal", or "a strategic initiative", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a serious plan" or "an important plan"?

"A serious plan" emphasizes the thoroughness and thoughtfulness behind the plan, while "an important plan" highlights the significance of the plan's goals. The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What distinguishes "a serious plan" from just "a plan"?

"A serious plan" implies that the plan has been carefully considered, is well-structured, and is intended to be implemented effectively. "A plan", on the other hand, is a more general term that does not necessarily convey the same level of commitment or detail.