according to plan

USAGE SUMMARY

'according to plan' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe when something is happening as expected or in the expected order. For example, "We were able to complete the project according to plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything went according to plan.

The New York Times

Not everything has gone according to plan.

The New York Times - Sports

Initially, everything went according to plan.

The New York Times

Everything had gone according to plan.

The New Yorker

August 1st: Dropoff went according to plan.

The New Yorker

"Everything is going according to plan.

The New York Times

Wars don't go according to plan.

The New Yorker

IT ALL went according to plan.

The Economist

Not everything went according to plan.

The New York Times

It hasn't quite gone according to plan.

The Economist

Things didn't quite go according to plan.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "according to plan" to clearly indicate that events are unfolding as expected, reinforcing confidence in the process.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "according to plan" in highly formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "as anticipated" or "as projected" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to plan" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or event is unfolding as intended. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to plan" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that events are unfolding as expected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for various situations, consider using synonyms in highly formal settings. Remember that while things may be going "according to schedule", they may not be "according to plan" because the overall strategy isn't working.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as expected

Highlights that the outcome aligns with initial expectations.

proceeding as intended

Highlights that the actions align with the initial intent.

as scheduled

Focuses on the timing aspect of the plan being followed.

according to the blueprint

Similar to 'according to design', implies a detailed and precise original plan.

on track

Implies progress is being made in line with the original intentions.

going smoothly

Emphasizes the absence of problems in executing the plan.

running like clockwork

Suggests the plan is being executed with precision and regularity.

without a hitch

Similar to "going smoothly", but more emphatic, suggesting a perfect execution.

by the book

Indicates adherence to established rules or procedures in the plan.

as things should be

More general, expressing satisfaction that events are unfolding correctly.

FAQs

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

You can use "according to plan" to describe events happening as expected. For example, "The project is proceeding "according to plan", and we anticipate completion by next month."

What are some alternatives to "according to plan"?

Alternatives include "as scheduled", "as expected", or "on track". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "everything is going according to plan"?

Yes, "everything is going according to plan" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that events are unfolding as anticipated.

What's the difference between "according to plan" and "according to schedule"?

"According to plan" refers to the overall strategy or set of actions, while "according to schedule" specifically relates to the timing and deadlines within that plan. Something can be "according to schedule" but not "according to plan" if the overall strategy is failing.