a terrible plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a plan that is poorly conceived or likely to fail. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I realized that it was a terrible plan that would only lead to more problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Cumulatively, that's a terrible plan.

The New York Times

But it was a terrible plan.

The New York Times

Fiscally, it was a terrible plan -- as Comptroller Alan Hevesi has made clear.

The New York Times

"It's a terrible plan that's not going to save much money and drive customers away," said Sally Davidow, a spokeswoman for the union.

The New York Times

Slowly, Jackie neglects her other surveillance duties to track Clyde obsessively and leaves her hi-tech watchtower to follow him, with a terrible plan in mind.

The Guardian - Film

It comes as no surprise that the Parliament of Cyprus on Tuesday voted down a terrible plan to tax insured bank deposits as part of a deal to rescue its failing financial system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"It's a terrible, terrible plan," Richard L. Brodsky, a Democratic state assemblyman, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

In some respects, it's not a totally terrible plan, but what's amazing watching it back is just how terribly they pulled it off.

Vice

In a state that houses renegade cops like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, this is an especially terrible plan.

Vice

“This is a terrible secret plan,” he wrote.

Forbes

Besides a terrible business plan, a family dispute hasn't helped, with brothers Michel Verville and Luc Verville fighting in court for control of the company.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a plan, follow "a terrible plan" with specific reasons for your assessment to make your critique more persuasive and constructive. For example, instead of just saying "That's a terrible plan", explain why: "That's "a terrible plan" because it doesn't address key risks and has unrealistic assumptions."

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible plan" as a knee-jerk reaction. Ensure you have thoroughly evaluated the plan and have valid reasons to support your negative assessment. Provide constructive alternatives when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible plan" functions as a noun phrase, with "terrible" modifying the noun "plan". It is commonly used to express disapproval or criticism of a particular strategy or course of action. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, which confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible plan" is a common phrase used to express strong disapproval of a particular strategy or course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it conveys a clear negative sentiment, it's important to use it judiciously and provide specific justifications for your assessment. Consider alternatives like "a flawed strategy" or "a misguided approach" to add nuance or maintain formality. Remember, effective communication involves not just criticizing but also offering constructive solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disastrous scheme

Emphasizes the potential for catastrophic failure.

a flawed strategy

Highlights the presence of fundamental weaknesses in the plan.

a misguided approach

Focuses on the incorrect direction or rationale behind the plan.

a poorly conceived idea

Stresses the lack of thought and preparation in formulating the plan.

an ill-advised course of action

Indicates that the plan is unwise and likely to have negative consequences.

a doomed project

Suggests that the plan is certain to fail.

an unrealistic proposal

Highlights the impracticality and lack of feasibility of the plan.

a hopeless case

Implies that the plan has no chance of success.

a losing proposition

Emphasizes the negative outcome or loss associated with the plan.

a recipe for disaster

Warns that the plan is likely to create serious problems.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "a disastrous scheme", "a flawed strategy", or "a misguided approach" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

How can I use "a terrible plan" effectively in a sentence?

To use "a terrible plan" effectively, clearly state the plan you are referring to and provide specific reasons or evidence to support your assessment. For example, "The proposed marketing strategy is "a terrible plan" because it relies on outdated tactics and ignores the target audience."

Is it too informal to use "a terrible plan" in professional writing?

While "a terrible plan" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "a flawed strategy" or "a poorly conceived idea" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is more appropriate, "a bad plan" or "a terrible plan"?

"A bad plan" is a more general and mild criticism, while "a terrible plan" suggests a more severe flaw or potential for negative consequences. The choice depends on the degree of negativity you want to convey. You might consider "a disastrous scheme" if the severity of the plan is even more striking.