according to a plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to a plan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or events that are organized or executed based on a specific strategy or outline. Example: "The project was completed according to a plan that had been developed over several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It started the night before, when each of Tripoli's principal neighborhoods (except Abu Selim) deployed armed teams, according to a plan agreed upon a month earlier.

The New York Times - Magazine

He works according to a plan.

The New York Times

Even as he accepted the award, things were not going entirely according to a plan.

The New York Times

The town, begun in 1606, was built according to a plan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What's more, according to the outraged senators, these liberal judges were acting according to a plan.

The New York Times

Must the change occur organically, or can governments gentrify areas according to a plan?

The Guardian

Rather, it occurs according to a plan that eventually determines the size and shape of the individual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is also working on environmental cleanup, according to a plan approved by the state's Department of Environmental Protection.

The New York Times

The longest period of uninterrupted programming, according to a plan shown to the programmers, would be just under 15 minutes, compared with the current 50 minutes or more.

The New York Times

In their statement, Massey officials said that the shaft was filled and sealed according to a plan approved by federal regulators, and was regularly inspected.

The New York Times

Greg Wood of Liverpool Hope University finds that effective players tend to kick according to a plan, without regard for the goalkeeper's movement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific alternatives like "as per the project roadmap" or "guided by the marketing strategy" when the nature of the plan is known. This enhances the precision and impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "according to a plan" without providing context about the plan itself. Saying "the project proceeded according to a plan" without specifying whose plan or what the plan entailed leaves the reader wondering and diminishes the statement's value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to a plan" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or event is carried out following a pre-determined strategy. This is clearly supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase specifies the manner in which something is done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "according to a plan" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates adherence to a pre-determined strategy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the plan is either explicitly stated or easily inferred to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider using more specific alternatives when the nature of the plan is known to enhance precision. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate order, intentionality, and adherence to a deliberate process in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in accordance with a strategy

Emphasizes adherence to a broader, more comprehensive strategy rather than a specific, detailed plan.

as per the arrangement

Highlights an agreement or understanding that dictates the course of action.

following a set procedure

Focuses on a standardized, step-by-step process that guides the execution.

pursuant to the scheme

Implies a formal or official framework that governs the actions.

in line with the roadmap

Suggests a long-term, high-level guide that outlines the general direction.

based on the framework

Highlights that something is founded on a pre-existing structural support.

guided by the protocol

Emphasizes that actions are controlled by a strict set of rules and guidelines.

under the auspices of the program

Suggests a broader initiative providing resources and direction to an action.

as structured by the guidelines

Implies a set of specific instructions that provide the form and function of the action.

operating within the parameters

Highlights working inside fixed limits that have been previously defined.

FAQs

How can I use "according to a plan" in a sentence?

You can use "according to a plan" to indicate that something is being done following a pre-arranged strategy. For example, "The building was constructed "according to a plan" designed by renowned architects".

What's a good alternative to "according to a plan"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in accordance with a strategy", "as per the arrangement", or "following a set procedure", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the details of the plan when using "according to a plan"?

While not always mandatory, providing some context or details about the plan enhances clarity and strengthens the statement. If the details are irrelevant or confidential, you can omit them, but ensure the context still makes sense.

What's the difference between "according to a plan" and "by design"?

"According to a plan" implies adherence to a specific, pre-determined strategy, while "by design" suggests something was intentionally created or arranged in a particular way, which may not necessarily involve a detailed plan. The phrase "by design" focuses more on intent and purpose.